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“Kuwait’s continued role as a catalyst for peace and an international humanitarian hub is of great importance today as forced displacements persist due to conflicts and natural disasters,” said HE Abdulaziz Saud Al-Jarallah, the Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for International Organizations.
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Kuwait is a leading donor to the earthquake humanitarian appeal, pledging $90 million in response, of which $17.5 million was directed through UNHCR for both Syria and Turkey.
Ankara
A delegation from Kuwait, led by HE Abdulaziz Saud Al-Jarallah, the Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for International Organizations, and Nisreen Rubaian, UNHCR’s Representative in Kuwait, concluded a three-day visit to Türkiye on Thursday.
During their three-day visit, the delegation met with Turkish Deputy Minister of Family and Social Services Yavuz Selim Kıran.
Following the meetings in Ankara, the delegation visited the Adana Sarıçam Temporary Accommodation Center, where 496 containers were built and placed with the support of the State of Kuwait for persons with specific needs who lost their homes in the devastating earthquakes of February 2023. This effort is part of UNHCR’s initiatives to aid the Government of Turkey in its earthquake response.
H.E. Abdulaziz Saud Al-Jarallah, the Assistant Foreign Minister for International Organizations, stated during the visit, “This visit reflects the strong and deep-rooted relationship we enjoy with the brotherly and friendly Republic of Turkey. It also highlights Kuwait’s strong humanitarian commitment to responding urgently to global humanitarian crises through trusted strategic partners like UNHCR. Kuwait’s continued role as a catalyst for peace and an international humanitarian hub is of great importance today as forced displacements persist due to conflicts and natural disasters.”
Al-Jarallah added, “Kuwait is a leading donor to the earthquake humanitarian appeal, pledging $90 million in response, of which $17.5 million was directed through UNHCR for both Syria and Turkey. We are pleased to see the successful implementation of the temporary accommodation project in Adana for both the refugee and host communities, as Kuwait reaffirms its commitment to humanitarian aid worldwide under its new leadership.”
The UNHCR Kuwait Representative, Nisreen Rubaian, said, “We thank the leadership of the State of Kuwait for being a live example of how we can show solidarity with people in need during times of crisis. This contribution to the earthquake response in Turkey and Syria is a prime example of Kuwait’s commitment to humanitarian issues globally. This project is pivotal for a country that hosts one of the highest numbers of refugees in the world, approximately 3.5 million.
The earthquakes impacted 15 million people in Turkey, including 1.7 million refugees, and Kuwait’s contribution helped both refugees and the host community. Nearly 5,000 refugees benefitted from this shelter project alone.”
UNHCR Turkey’s Deputy Representative, Daniela Cicchella, stated, “On behalf of UNHCR, we extend our deepest gratitude to the State of Kuwait for their support following the devastating earthquakes in Turkey. Their solidarity during this challenging time once again underlines the critical importance of international cooperation in humanitarian assistance.” She added: “The collaboration of generous and steadfast partners like Kuwait, while supporting the host community, allows vulnerable refugees in Turkey, whose needs have further increased after the earthquakes, to continue accessing much-needed assistance and protection.”
UNHCR continues to support Türkiye as it responds to the ongoing needs resulting from the earthquakes and the government-led refugee response. This support includes ensuring documentation, legal protection, social cohesion, education, and work opportunities. UNHCR expresses its gratitude to Turkey’s continued inclusive policy in the wake of devastating earthquakes. As one of the countries hosting the largest number of people in need of international protection in the world, Turkey remains grateful to its donors, including Kuwait, for their collaboration in supporting earthquake survivors and enhancing access to protection for people whose lives have been severely affected by war, conflict, or persecution.
