Lebanese Embassy in Kuwait launches campaign to aid women and children

• Ahmed Arafa, Chargé d’Affaires at the Lebanese Embassy in Kuwait, thanked Kuwaiti authorities for granting the license for the in-kind donation campaign, scheduled for December 6-8, at the embassy headquarters in the Diplomatic District, Da’wah Area.

• The Chargé d’Affaires stressed that the license does not permit monetary donations, and donations of medical materials and medicines supported by the Kuwaiti Ministry of Health are not allowed.

• The Lebanese embassy will collect donations for transfer to Lebanon’s government emergency committee, which will distribute them to hospitals, health centers, and the most affected groups from the Israeli aggression.

Ahmed Arafa, Chargé d’Affaires at the Lebanese Embassy in Kuwait, announced the launch of a new campaign under the slogan “Kuwait Seeks Your Safety,”aimed at collecting donations of medicines and supplies for women and children in need.

Regarding the slogan, Arafa stated that it fully aligns with the State of Kuwait’s longstanding support for Lebanon, which has been demonstrated on various regional and international platforms, as well as through the humanitarian airbridge that carried tens of tons of food and relief items to Lebanon. He emphasized that the campaign also reflects the deep and enduring historical relationship between the two peoples.

Arafa expressed his gratitude to the relevant Kuwaiti authorities for facilitating the issuance of the necessary license for the in-kind donation campaign, scheduled by the embassy for December 6, 7, and 8, 2024 (from 10 am to 7 pm) at the embassy headquarters in the Diplomatic District, Da’wah Area.

The embassy will collect the donated materials, which will later be transferred to the government emergency committee in Lebanon. This committee will then distribute the goods to hospitals, health centers, and the most affected groups due to the Israeli aggression. He also noted that additional information about the campaign is available on the embassy’s official website: www.embassykw.gov.lb.

The Chargé d’Affaires stressed that the license does not permit monetary donations, and donations of medical materials and medicines supported by the Kuwaiti Ministry of Health are not allowed.

However, he pointed out that those who wish to donate materials targeted by the campaign can do so through a cooperation mechanism set up by the embassy with specialized Kuwaiti companies. These materials can be purchased online from these companies and delivered to the embassy during the donation period.

He encouraged donors to visit the embassy’s website for detailed information, including contact phone numbers for further inquiries.

Regarding the mechanism for sending these donations to Lebanon and arranging flights, he mentioned that several alternatives are being considered, emphasizing an arrangement with Middle East Airlines to secure the delivery of medicines as soon as possible.

When asked about the role of the Lebanese community in this campaign, Arafa explained that, like other efforts, it is being carried out by the embassy in cooperation with members of the Lebanese community.

Assistance from Kuwaitis

The Lebanese Women’s Council and the Lebanese Business Council in Kuwait are providing special support. Additionally, the embassy has received numerous offers of assistance from Kuwaitis, Lebanese, and other residents, all of whom are aware of the difficult conditions Lebanon is facing.

Regarding his expectations for the success of the campaign, he expressed optimism, noting that the campaign is launching from Kuwait, where the Lebanese community is large and engaged with events in Lebanon.

Emotional ties to Lebanon

He also mentioned that many Kuwaitis have strong emotional ties to Lebanon and its people, which will undoubtedly influence the level of support.

Regarding the possibility of storing medicines and medical supplies at the embassy, he pointed out that the embassy’s human and logistical capabilities are limited. Therefore, only essential medicines, selected in collaboration with specialists (based on the list of needs provided by the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health), will be collected. These medicines do not require special logistics, such as cooling or specific storage and transport conditions.

Cooperation with Kuwaiti charities

Regarding cooperation with Kuwaiti charities and their participation in the campaign, he emphasized that while the embassy did not directly contact them, it is well-known that Kuwaiti associations have not hesitated to launch their own appeals. He noted that the embassy’s efforts focus on three key areas: medicines, children’s supplies, and women’s supplies. Meanwhile, Kuwaiti charitable associations, with their experience and capabilities, are able to handle broader tasks.

Formation of Government Emergency Committee

When asked about the impact of recent events in Lebanon on Lebanese families in Kuwait and the possibility of directing aid to them, he explained that, as an embassy and official body, they work through the official channels established by the Lebanese government.

The Lebanese Cabinet formed a Government Emergency Committee, headed by Minister of Environment Dr. Nasser Yassin, which has developed an integrated plan for receiving, distributing, and monitoring aid. Information about the assistance is published online for transparency and to avoid any misunderstandings or embarrassment. He noted that despite the generosity of sending entities, the aid that has reached Lebanon remains small compared to the growing needs, which increase daily.

Lebanon documents 33,000 Israeli violations of sovereignty since 2006

When asked about the measures Lebanon will take in response to the recent Israeli aggression, he mentioned that since the 2006 aggression until October 8, 2023, there have been 33,000 Israeli violations of Lebanese sovereignty, all of which have been documented by the United Nations Secretariat and the UN Security Council. The Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has worked diligently to record and file these violations.

As for the future, he expressed hope for a ceasefire but acknowledged that he could not speak on behalf of the Lebanese government. He believes, however, that the Lebanese government will continue to advocate for Lebanon’s rights and will spare no effort in doing so.

Ceasefire and consideration of reconstruction

Regarding the ceasefire news and the consideration of reconstruction, as well as discussions with the Kuwaiti side, he emphasized that efforts are currently focused on achieving a ceasefire and implementing Security Council Resolution 1701.

The priorities of the Lebanese government have been clearly outlined by President Mr. Najib Mikati and reiterated in statements by Dr. Abdullah Buhabib, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates.