GENEVA: Kuwait has expressed deep concern over the increasing politicization of humanitarian work, warning against attempts to turn aid into a tool of pressure or exclusion. The remarks were made by Kuwait’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations and other international organizations in Geneva, Ambassador Nasser Al-Hayen, during the 76th session of the Executive Committee of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) on Wednesday.
Ambassador Al-Hayen reaffirmed Kuwait’s firm condemnation of efforts to use humanitarian assistance as leverage in political conflicts, stressing that aid must remain a means of relief and rescue for those in need. He noted that global humanitarian challenges are worsening at an unprecedented rate, with the number of displaced persons now exceeding 122 million worldwide. He urged the international community to uphold its collective responsibilities and strengthen humanitarian responses in proportion to the scale of suffering witnessed across the globe. Supporting refugees and displaced persons, he said, remains a cornerstone of Kuwait’s humanitarian policy.
The ambassador highlighted Kuwait’s active engagement with the UNHCR, noting that the country participated earlier this year—under the chairmanship of Deputy Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah—in the first strategic dialogue with the agency, reflecting Kuwait’s ongoing commitment to global humanitarian cooperation. Al-Hayen underscored that Kuwait continues to provide assistance based on humanitarian principles, without discrimination, despite fluctuations in global funding. He pointed out that Kuwait’s contributions to the UNHCR over the past decade have totaled around $460 million, supporting more than 43 emergency appeals since 2013.
Reiterating Kuwait’s belief in addressing the root causes of conflicts, Ambassador Al-Hayen called for prioritizing political and preventive diplomacy as the best path toward sustainable peace. He cautioned that the escalation of armed conflicts and rising military expenditures would only exacerbate suffering and deepen divisions, urging nations to redirect their resources toward development, education, and protection rather than armament.
Al-Hayen renewed Kuwait’s unwavering support for the UNHCR and expressed anticipation for Kuwait’s participation in the Global Refugee Forum in December, describing it as a key milestone to strengthen international solidarity and evaluate progress in refugee protection. He also conveyed Kuwait’s appreciation for the pivotal role played by the UNHCR in safeguarding refugees and displaced persons amid increasingly complex humanitarian challenges. The ambassador extended his sincere gratitude to High Commissioner Filippo Grandi, commending his leadership and humanitarian dedication as he prepares to conclude his term.— KUNA
