Anwar Al-Hasawi

KUWAIT: Kuwait has always respected international humanitarian law, Director Coordinator of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Nasser Al-Subaih said on yesterday. Subaih made the statement during a seminar entitled 'Kuwait and International Humanitarian Law,' which was organized by the Diplomatic Institute in conjunction with Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

The seminar is a forum that aims to showcase Kuwait's exemplary humanitarian efforts as the Geneva Conventions obligates nations to generate awareness on international humanitarian laws, Subaih said. The Ambassador called on nations to combat prevalent violations of humanitarian laws amid deteriorating humanitarian conditions across the globe.

Moreover, Subaih underscored that Kuwait has always been a bastion of humanity on a regional and international scale. Kuwait has in recent years, hosted three international conferences for Syrian refugees, for which a total of $7.7 billion was amassed. Kuwait has donated a sum of KD 1.3 billion in aid to Syrian refugees, he noted.

Deputy Chairman of KRCS Anwar Al-Hasawi asserted that abiding by humanitarian law is not a choice but an obligation, calling on increased efforts to protect human rights in light of rampant armed conflicts that have plagued the region.

Deputy Head of Operations of the ICRC Rania Mashlab said that the world this year celebrates 50 years of recognition of humanitarian work, citing Kuwait being ultimately named a 'Humanitarian Center' for its persistent efforts towards humanitarian causes. She also noted that more than 160 nations have approved the Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols.

In September 2014 United Nations (UN) Secretary General Ban Ki Moon paid tribute to Kuwait by naming His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah a 'Humanitarian Leader' and Kuwait a 'Humanitarian Center.' - KUNA