(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) GENEVA, Oct 8 (KUNA) -- The Permanent Representative of Kuwait to the United Nations and other international organizations in Geneva, Ambassador Nasser Al-Hayen, expressed on Wednesday Kuwait's deep concern over the growing trend of politicizing humanitarian work and using it as a tool in conflicts.
He affirmed Kuwait's condemnation of any attempt to turn humanitarian aid from a means of rescue into an instrument of pressure or exclusion.
This came in a speech delivered by Ambassador Al-Hayen during the 76th session of the Executive Committee of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), held in Geneva. He stressed that global humanitarian challenges are worsening at an unprecedented rate, with the number of displaced persons exceeding 122 million worldwide, calling on the international community to assume its collective responsibilities and strengthen humanitarian responses in line with the scale of existing suffering.
Ambassador Al-Hayen emphasized that supporting refugees and displaced persons is a constant priority in Kuwait's humanitarian policy. He noted that earlier this year, Kuwait participated under the chairmanship of Deputy Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah in the first strategic dialogue with the UNHCR, reflecting Kuwait's commitment to supporting UN efforts in comprehensive humanitarian responses for those affected around the world.
In this context, the ambassador highlighted Kuwait's dedication to extending a helping hand to those in need without discrimination, despite fluctuations in global humanitarian funding.
He explained that the total value of humanitarian aid provided by Kuwait to the UNHCR over the past ten years amounted to approximately USD 460 million, allocated to support more than 43 emergency appeals launched by the agency since 2013.
Ambassador Al-Hayen also reaffirmed Kuwait's firm belief in supporting political and preventive diplomatic pathways to address the root causes of conflicts, as the best means of achieving sustainable peace.
He warned that the escalation of conflicts and increased military spending would only lead to more suffering and division, urging countries to direct their resources toward development, education, and protection instead of armament and warfare.
The ambassador renewed Kuwait's full support for the UNHCR, expressing Kuwait's anticipation of participating in the Global Refugee Forum scheduled for next December, which he described as an important milestone for strengthening international solidarity and assessing progress made in refugee protection.
He further affirmed Kuwait's deep support for the UNHCR and appreciation for its pivotal role in protecting refugees and forcibly displaced persons around the world amid increasingly complex humanitarian conditions.
Ambassador Al-Hayen also extended his sincere thanks and appreciation to High Commissioner Filippo Grandi, who is preparing to conclude his term in office, commending his humanitarian leadership and dedicated efforts in supporting the most vulnerable groups. (end)
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