UNHCR and Kuwait’s various organizations hold briefing on humanitarian crisis in Lebanon

• UNHCR High Commissioner, Rabian stressed the importance of uniting efforts in this difficult period.

• CEO, Emad Bukhamseen: We are proud to partner with UNHCR and Development Foundation.

• Chairman of Tanmeia Charity, Al-Ajmi: These initiatives reflect Kuwait’s firm commitment to its humanitarian approach based on the values of brotherhood and solidarity.

• UNHCR Spokeswoman, Dalal Harb: Refugee shelters in Lebanon can accommodate only 90,000 displaced people.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), in collaboration with the international charitable association, ‘Tanmeia Charity’ and ‘Bukhamseen Holding Group’, organized a briefing session to address the escalating crisis in Lebanon.

The session highlighted the urgent humanitarian needs of displaced Lebanese citizens who were forced to flee their homes due to Israeli airstrikes and the intensifying conflict in the country.

The UNHCR Representative to Kuwait, Nasrin Rabian, during the session held yesterday morning at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, emphasized the importance of uniting efforts during this critical time.

Rabian highlighted the dangerous situation in Lebanon, noting that the arrival of winter is intensifying the challenges displaced families face in ensuring safety and warmth for their children.

Rabian stated that the Lebanese government estimates over 1.2 million people have been displaced, many seeking refuge in open public spaces. She emphasized their struggle to find safe shelter and meet basic needs, including relief items like tents, blankets, sleeping mats, health care, food, and psychosocial support.

The CEO of Bukhamseen Holding Group, Emad Bukhamseen, underscored the private sector’s role in humanitarian efforts, stating that today’s event confirms that companies’ contributions go beyond material support; it reflects their commitment to creating a positive impact that inspires others to support relief efforts. The group is proud to partner with UNHCR and Tanmeia Charity and aim to strengthen this role, expanding cooperation to aid forcibly displaced people globally.

The Chairman of the Board of Directors of Tanmeia Charity, Dr. Nasser Al-Ajmi, emphasized Kuwait’s leading role in supporting the Lebanese people. He highlighted Kuwait’s relief flights and the involvement of charitable institutions, including Tanmeia, in delivering emergency aid. These efforts, he explained, reflect Kuwait’s steadfast commitment to its humanitarian values of brotherhood and solidarity.

Dr. Al-Ajmi stated that achieving tangible impact in crises necessitates strengthening strategic partnerships between humanitarian institutions and diverse entities. He highlighted that joint cooperation enables comprehensive and effective responses to address basic needs such as food, water, healthcare, and shelter.

Significantly, Dr. Al-Ajmi emphasized that unifying and integrating efforts not only alleviates the suffering of those affected, but it also brings real and sustainable change to the lives of Lebanese enduring a severe humanitarian crisis.

Regarding Kuwaiti generosity, Dr. Al-Ajmi stated that the campaign aims to raise $10,000, noting that its duration is open-ended. He expressed confidence that the amount collected would exceed the target, as many Kuwaitis and associations have already expressed their readiness to contribute to the cause.

Dr. Al-Ajmi highlighted that this is the fourth campaign in which the Association is collaborating with UNHCR, with previous joint efforts taking place in Bangladesh, Jordan, and Lebanon.

For her part, the spokeswoman for the UNHCR in Lebanon, Dalal Harb, shared real and tragic stories of those displaced from southern Lebanon to the capital, Beirut. She highlighted that nearly one million people have been displaced, out of a population of 5 million.

On a critical note, Harb described the current situation in Lebanon as extremely difficult, emphasizing that the country is facing the largest humanitarian disaster in two decades.

Harb pointed to the dramatic escalation of the war and ongoing Israeli airstrikes, which have caused a massive displacement crisis. She explained that the shelters available for refugees can only accommodate 90,000 displaced people.