Kuwait is a steadfast and loyal partner in global humanitarian efforts: ICRC
Kuwait has consistently been among the most significant supporters of the Red Cross’s humanitarian mission worldwide. Its support extends beyond financial contributions to include the protection and welfare of humanitarian workers in the field – ICRC President Mirjana Spoljarić
The President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Mirjana Spoljarić, praised the State of Kuwait as “a steadfast and loyal partner in supporting humanitarian work in all its dimensions worldwide.”
On the sidelines of her lecture at the Saud Nasser Al-Sabah Diplomatic Institute on Monday, titled “International Humanitarian Law: Today’s Conflicts – Tomorrow’s Humanity and the Role of the State of Kuwait,” Spoljarić commended Kuwait’s long-standing commitment to global relief efforts.
The event was attended by Deputy Foreign Minister Ambassador Sheikh Jarrah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and representatives of diplomatic missions and international organizations in Kuwait.
Spoljarić highlighted that the Red Cross has maintained a presence in Kuwait since the early 1990s, noting that cooperation with the Kuwaiti government—through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Kuwait Red Crescent Society, and the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development—has always been “fruitful and impactful.”
She emphasized, “Kuwait has consistently been among the most significant supporters of the Red Cross’s humanitarian mission worldwide. Its support extends beyond financial contributions to include the protection and welfare of humanitarian workers in the field.”
The ICRC president explained that her visit aims to strengthen and expand avenues of collaboration, particularly concerning ongoing humanitarian crises in Syria, Sudan, Yemen, and Somalia, while also focusing on the grave situation in the Palestinian Gaza Strip.
She commended Kuwait’s humanitarian policies, noting that “Kuwait’s strategy aligns with the principles upheld by the Committee, especially its adherence to the Geneva Conventions and its commitment to safeguarding civilians during armed conflicts.” Spoljarić further lauded Kuwait for incorporating international humanitarian law into its national institutions and legislation, describing it as “a model nation in implementing and upholding humanitarian law.”
Discussing the ICRC’s field operations in conflict zones, Spoljarić stated that the organization’s work includes searching for missing persons, visiting detention centers, and restoring essential infrastructure such as water wells and desalination plants to ensure access to safe drinking water.
Commenting on the worsening humanitarian situation in Sudan, she said conditions remain “dire,” as aid organizations continue to face severe challenges in reaching civilians in need. She urged all parties to “allow humanitarian organizations to deliver life-saving assistance and protection to affected communities.”
Regarding the situation in Gaza,
Spoljarić described it as “unacceptable,” adding, “Gaza has been reduced to rubble, and its people are enduring a catastrophic humanitarian crisis, especially as winter approaches and they are deprived of food, shelter, and essential services.”
In a related context, the Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, Dr. Muhammad Al-Wasmi, held discussions with Spoljarić, ICRC Director-General Pierre Krähenbühl, and the accompanying delegation on enhancing cooperation across humanitarian domains.
Dr. Al-Wasmi affirmed Kuwait’s enduring commitment to humanitarian principles rooted in Islamic values, emphasizing that “humanitarian action is a cornerstone of building cohesive and compassionate societies.”
He reiterated the Ministry’s dedication to advancing charitable work, promoting solidarity, and reinforcing Kuwait’s humanitarian legacy in partnership with national institutions and international organizations.
— KUNA
