Weekly roundup of Kuwait's regional, int'l humanitarian action

KUWAIT, Dec 9 (KUNA) -- Living up to its UN-bestowed status as an International Humanitarian Center, Kuwait continued to provide humanitarian aid to some countries all over the world throughout the week.
In Tanzania, Kuwait launched a program to aid disabled people and those with Albinism disease in Tanzania, at a cost of USD 500,000 in time with the International Day of Disabled Persons on 3rd December.
The program will be executed within one year in most Tanzanian cities, including Zanzibar island, Kuwaiti Ambassador to Tanzania Jassem Al-Najem said in a statement received by KUNA last Sunday.
He added that the program is carried out in cooperation with NGOs and other international organizations working in Tanzania.
As part of the program's launch, Al-Najem presented medical equipment including wheelchairs, crutches and hearing aid to Tanzania's Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office responsible for Policy, Parliamentary Affairs, Labour, Employment, Youth and the Disabled Jenista Mhagama.
Meanwhile, Kuwait Oil Tanker Company (KOTC) announced receiving an honorary certificate from the International Maritime Organization (IMO), in appreciation of its efforts to save 536 refugees in international waters.
In a statement to KUNA last Sunday, KOTC said that its tanker "Al-Salmi" provided food, shelter and medical care for refugees it had rescued from the sea around the world.
Some of the refugees were in critical conditions, the company said, adding that those rescued were then taken to an Italian port.
The humanitarian rescue operation was met with international praise and appreciation, the statement said.
The certificate was presented to KOTC's CEO Sheikh Talal Khaled Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah by head of IMO Kitack Lim, during a meeting of the Organization held in the UK.
In Poland, Kuwait took part in a charity bazaar held by its diplomatic staff in the Polish capital Warsaw last Tuesday to raise funds for impoverished children all across the globe.
The annual bazaar, sponsored by Poland's First Lady, attracted representatives of more than 52 nations as well as regional and international organizations, all of whom provided visitors with a wide array of products, read a statement by the Kuwaiti embassy.
The statement cited an impressive turnout at the bazaar, where onlookers sampled a unique variety of Kuwaiti goods. In Belgium, the embassy of Kuwait held its first charity reception in support of refugees with the cooperation of a local organisation.
"Tonight (Thursday night) we are together to celebrate the work of an amazing NGO, an organisation that makes an impact on the lives of people in need, people who are trying to rebuild their lives, away from their homes, families, roots and land," said Kuwait's Ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg, NATO and the EU Jassem Al-Budaiwi, in his welcome address.
He was referring to RANA (Refugees Are Not Alone); an NGO engaged in helping refugees in Belgium and elsewhere.
"We are here tonight (Thursday night) to support the work of RANA and I am very happy that they have accepted that we want to help in this way," said the Kuwaiti ambassador.
"Through our actions, may RANA be able to continue its important and remarkable work, to reach even more refugees," said Al-Budaiwi, expressing thanks to a number of people and organisations who helped in organizing the event.
On his part, Jens Mueller, President of RANA, thanked Ambassador Al-Budaiwi for organizing the charity event and said its aim is to raise funds for "our work as we are a volunteer organisation and do our work without any public funding." Mueller said his NGO, which began work two-and-half years ago, is taking care of hundreds of refugees; mainly from the Middle East and African countries, by providing them accommodation and food.
"Of course people can help us in the longer term by donating every month," he said.
An auction of paintings and photographs taken by refugees themselves, as well as a raffle, were held during the event to raise funds.
Lina Aburous, representing the agency EURAFFEX, which co-organized the event, also thanked the Kuwaiti ambassador for hosting the reception.
"Tonight (Thursday night) we have the strong will and the collective effort in one place with all you distinguished guests here. I count on all of you to support RANA," she noted.
A large number of European and Arab diplomats, businesspersons and representatives of NGOs attended the event.
In Turkey, Kuwait's Humanitarian Relief Society (HRS) has sent its convoy of winter aid to Syrian refugees in the town of Reyhanli in Hatay Province, southern Turkey, the HRS said on Friday.
The convoy included 700 food packages, and other basic items, HRS Director General Khaled Al-Shammeri told KUNA.
He added that 500 packages were given to people across the borders inside Syria, and the other 200 to refugees in Reyhanli.
In addition, the society presented 750 school bags, and the same number of uniforms to refugee students, in Al-Resalah school which the HRS sponsors.
Al-Shamri noted that the agenda of the HRS team includes a visit to "Halimah As-Sa'diyah Orphanage" in Reyhanli.
They will offer meals, organize competitions and recreational programs for the orphans, he said. (end) hm