Arab League chief extolls Kuwait's "honorable" support of refugees

CAIRO, May 3 (KUNA) -- Arab League Secretary General Nabil Al-Arabi extolled on Tuesday Kuwait's "honorable" efforts of alleviating the misery of Syrian refugees.
Al-Arabi made the remarks in a speech during the start of a conference held by the Council of Arab women, with participation of the United Nations, Arab League and a host of specialists.
Al-Arabi underscored the significance of the conference, which runs for three days and features participation of a Kuwaiti delegation headed by Sheikha Fariha Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. The conference aims to highlight the scope of the humanitarian crisis that pervades the Arab region.
The Arab League Secretary General noted that persistent conflict in the region has resulted in immense casualties and destruction, which led to deteriorating humanitarian conditions. "These conflicts have brought a new wave of terrorism, which created religious extremism and radicalism," he said.
Moreover, Al-Arabi said that the refugee crisis in the region calls for an exceptional response, which is "a humanitarian and political obligation," as he called on the international community to ramp up efforts to put end to the plight of refugees.
Meanwhile, Director General of the Council of Arab Women Mervet Al-Tallawy praised Kuwait's efforts of ending the refugee crisis in the Arab region, noting that the country had hosted three donors conferences in support of humanitarian causes in Syria.
Al-Tallawy described the conference as "pivotal", saying the refugee crisis represents "the biggest humanitarian crisis since World War II," as she cited the "bloody developments in Syria." In her speech, Al-Tallawy questioned "international obligations to provide protection for women and girls that are being exposed to violence, and who are often victims of human trafficking." Al-Tallawy also urged Arab media to give the refugee crisis the significance it warrants by way of providing accurate information and facts on the plight of refugees in the Arab region.
The Arab League's Secretary General's envoy for humanitarian relief Sheikha Hessa Al-Thani revealed that women, 800,000 of whom are adolescents, and children make up more than 75% of the total of Syrian refugees.
Describing the media as an informative and educational tool, Al-Thani said that awareness on violence against women should be generated, as she underscored the importance of protecting women, who are often victimized by violence.
The conference tackles a slew of issues pertinent to the plight of refugees and the displaced in the Arab region, and features photographic exhibitions depicting their anguish. (end) ms.nam