Geneva: The Permanent Representative of Kuwait to the United Nations and other international organizations in Geneva, Ambassador Nasser Al-Hayen, expressed Kuwait's concern over the increasing trend of politicizing humanitarian work and using it as a tool in conflicts. He affirmed Kuwait's condemnation of any attempt to transform humanitarian aid from a means of rescue into an instrument of pressure or exclusion.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Ambassador Al-Hayen delivered this message during the 76th session of the Executive Committee of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Geneva. He highlighted the worsening global humanitarian challenges, with over 122 million displaced persons worldwide, and called on the international community to strengthen humanitarian responses in line with the existing scale of suffering.
Ambassador Al-Hayen emphasized that supporting refugees and displaced persons is a priority in Kuwait's humanitarian policy. He noted Kuwait's participation earlier in the year, led by Deputy Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, in the first strategic dialogue with the UNHCR, underlining Kuwait's commitment to supporting comprehensive humanitarian responses.
The ambassador pointed out Kuwait's dedication to assisting those in need without discrimination, despite changes in global humanitarian funding. He stated that Kuwait has provided approximately USD 460 million in humanitarian aid to the UNHCR over the past decade, supporting over 43 emergency appeals since 2013.
He reaffirmed Kuwait's belief in supporting political and preventive diplomatic pathways to address root causes of conflicts as a means of achieving sustainable peace. He warned against escalating conflicts and military spending, urging a focus on development, education, and protection instead.
Ambassador Al-Hayen renewed Kuwait's support for the UNHCR and expressed anticipation for participating in the Global Refugee Forum in December, viewing it as vital for strengthening international solidarity and assessing progress in refugee protection.
He concluded by extending gratitude to High Commissioner Filippo Grandi, acknowledging his leadership and efforts in supporting vulnerable groups as he prepares to conclude his term in office.