GAZA: An UNRWA team distributes humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza. - KUNAKUWAIT: Living up to its UN-bestowed status as an International Humanitarian Center, Kuwait continued responding to natural and man-made emergencies across the Middle East and beyond last week. On Monday, Feb 5, Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS) and Direct Aid Society signed an agreement to support rehabilitation programs for displaced people and refugees in violence stricken countries.

Chairman of Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS) Dr Hilal Al-Sayer said that it would serve as a strong partnership to consolidate humanitarian values and goals. Dr Sayer said the accord stipulates holding vocational training programs to develop skills and technical capacity of the poor and improve their standard of living. "It envisages exchange of experience in addition to holding joint media campaigns for activities and projects."

Moreover, it aims to support and rehabilitate displaced persons and refugees in countries affected by natural disasters, backing health programs and activities, erecting makeshift surgical facilities and hospitals in the most needy areas. Meanwhile, Chairman of Board of Directors of Direct Aid Society, Abdul Rahman Al-Muhailan, hailed cooperation with the KRCS, providing medical aid for the injured during recent events in Somalia. The KRCS is quite effective in responding to crises and emergency situations, he added.

On Wednesday, Feb 7, KRCS and Kuwait Finance House (KFH) co-signed an agreement to build and refurbish orphanages to accommodate parentless Syrian children in Turkey. The deal is a productive effort towards a humanitarian cause, KRCS chairman Dr Sayer said in a statement.

Dr Sayer pointed out that the venerable Kuwaiti charity would continue to pursue altruistic activities all over the world, saying that the private sector has proven to be a trusted partner in such endeavors. The KRCS chief added that a core chunk of aid is earmarked for Syrian refugees, in a bid to lessen the misery they are facing.

On Thursday, Feb 8, KRCS has donated three mobile medical clinics to Iraqi displaced persons in the affected areas of Iraq. Dr Sayer said that the mobile clinics consist of dental, x-ray and laboratory units and two other clinics to examine the patients.

Dr Sayer added that the KRCS will continue under the slogan (Kuwait Beside You) to support the displaced Iraqis, pointing out that vehicles would be handed to the Iraqi Medical Association. He explained that these clinics will be distributed immediately in parts of Iraq and the Kurdistan region as such areas are in dire need for these equipment. - KUNA