KUWAIT: Namaa Charity, an affiliate of the Social Reform Society, signed a cooperation agreement with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) on Monday, aimed at supporting the reintegration of returning Syrian refugees. The initiative seeks to empower returnees by providing them with cash assistance to help facilitate their safe return and sustainable resettlement in Syria. The agreement was signed by Vice Chairman of the Social Reform Society Mohammad Al-Omar on behalf of Namaa Charity, and UNHCR Representative in Kuwait Nasreen Rabiaan, in the presence of key officials including Ministry of Social Affairs Spokesman Yousef Al-Mutairi.

Speaking to KUNA following the signing, Al-Omar said the agreement reflects a strong joint commitment to improving the living conditions of vulnerable Syrian families and easing their transition back into their communities. “This cooperation is a model of global solidarity, and part of Namaa Charity’s mission to support those most in need through developmental and humanitarian initiatives,” he noted. Chairman of the Union of Charitable Societies and Organizations and CEO of Namaa Charity, Saad Al-Otaibi, said the agreement builds on Kuwait’s longstanding charitable legacy of aiding affected populations across the globe, particularly those impacted by conflict. “This partnership is a testament to the trust placed in Kuwait’s charitable institutions, thanks to their adherence to legal frameworks and ethical standards,” he said.

Al-Otaibi emphasized that the initiative aligns with Kuwait’s humanitarian vision, adding that the financial support offered through the agreement will help returning Syrian families achieve economic and social stability. “It empowers them to rebuild dignified lives based on productivity and self-reliance—goals central to our union’s strategic outlook,” he added.

UNHCR’s Rabiaan described the agreement as timely, coming amid growing numbers of Syrian refugees choosing to return home. “Cash assistance is one of the most effective forms of support during the initial phase of resettlement,” she said, noting it allows families to meet essential needs such as food, shelter, and transportation. She praised Kuwait’s charitable sector for its continued collaboration and commitment to humanitarian causes.

Meanwhile, Ministry of Social Affairs Spokesman Yousef Al-Mutairi affirmed the ministry’s dedication to advancing the performance and transparency of Kuwaiti charitable work. He noted that recent reforms have strengthened governance, ensured sustainability, and transformed charity from short-term relief to strategic development. “Humanitarian work today follows a scientific and measurable approach, aligned with strategic planning and global partnership,” Al-Mutairi said. “We remain committed to supporting collaborations with international and UN agencies to advance humanitarian efforts worldwide.” — KUNA

PARIS: HH the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, accompanied by an official delegation, arrived in France on Sunday for an official visit. HH the Amir is accompanied by an official delegation that includes Defense Minister Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah Al-Yahya, Director General of Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority Sheikh Dr Meshal Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and a number of senior state officials. Bidding him farewell at Kuwait airport were HH the Deputy Amir and Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and top state officials.

At his residence in Paris, HH the Amir received Director General of Gustave Roussy Hospital Fabrice Barlesi and International Advisor Remi Thiolet. HH the Amir emphasized the importance of strengthening the partnership between Kuwait and France in the healthcare sector to enhance medical capabilities, develop the healthcare system and achieve a qualitative leap in health services. He stressed the goal of improving the quality of life of the Kuwaiti society and providing an advanced medical environment that ensures the best standards of treatment and care. HH the Amir also praised the prominent role played by Gustave Roussy Hospital in the field of research and advanced cancer treatments.

The French Presidential Palace said the visit, the first by HH the Amir to France since assuming power, comes within the framework of strong relations based on trust and mutual respect. The two sides seek to develop their relations in a way that enhances strategic partnership in various sectors, including diplomacy, defense, economy, education, health, culture and scientific research.

HH the Amir’s visit also comes ahead of the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Kuwait and France in 1961, an occasion that affirms the depth of the historical ties between the two countries. HH the Amir will attend the official military parade marking France’s National Day (Bastille Day) on July 14, alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, and the two will later meet at Elysee Palace for a working lunch. — KUNA

JEDDAH: The 25th Ordinary Session of the Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC) of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) commenced Sunday at the organization’s headquarters in Jeddah, with Kuwait actively participating in the high-level human rights discussions. Leading the Kuwaiti delegation is Assistant Foreign Minister for Human Rights Affairs Ambassador Sheikha Jawaher Ibrahim Al-Duaij Al-Sabah. She is joined by Kuwait’s Consul General in Jeddah and Permanent Representative to the OIC Yousef Al-Tunaib, Advisor at Kuwait’s Mission to the OIC Turki Al-Daihani, and diplomatic attachés Jana Al-Dhafiri and Fawaz Qutb Al-Din.

The current session, held under the theme “The Right to Water: A Human Rights Perspective,” aims to shed light on access to clean and safe water as a fundamental human right. In his opening address, OIC Secretary General Hussein Taha stressed the critical importance of water, describing it as “the lifeblood and a cornerstone for achieving peace and sustainability.” Taha noted that several OIC member states are grappling with severe water stress, and called for stronger cooperation, capacity building, and investment in water infrastructure. He urged stakeholders to treat water as a shared human heritage, avoid its use as a means of coercion or conflict, and promote fair transboundary water-sharing mechanisms.

In her remarks, Noura Al-Rashoud, Executive Director of the IPHRC Secretariat, emphasized the urgent need to ensure equal and fair access to water, particularly for marginalized and vulnerable groups. She also drew attention to the dire humanitarian situation in the occupied Palestinian territories, where hundreds of thousands are denied basic rights, including access to clean water. Al-Rashoud highlighted the suffering of Palestinians under occupation, describing their daily lives as a constant struggle for survival. She called for affordable and accessible water services for all, without compromising other essential needs, and underscored the importance of transparency, accountability and innovation in water management systems.

She expressed appreciation to former Commission Chairman, Kuwaiti Ambassador Talal Al-Mutairi, for his pivotal role in advancing the Commission’s work during the previous session, praising his leadership in steering the body towards significant achievements. Chairman of the IPHRC, Haji Ali Ace Gul, voiced grave concern over the ongoing humanitarian and rights crisis in the Gaza Strip. He strongly condemned the deliberate targeting of civilians and the obstruction of humanitarian aid, labeling these actions as war crimes and crimes against humanity amounting to genocide.

Gul reaffirmed the Commission’s unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian people, calling for an immediate lifting of the blockade, unrestricted humanitarian access, and urgent international efforts to protect civilians and ensure accountability in accordance with international law. He also stressed the importance of adopting a holistic approach to the right to water, ensuring equitable access and protection for all. The session, set to run through July 17, will explore both international and Islamic legal perspectives on the human right to water. The program includes open and closed-panel discussions addressing various human rights concerns. A final report summarizing the session’s outcomes and recommendations is expected to be issued on Thursday. — KUNA