Kuwait calls for global action on missing persons in armed conflicts

NEW YORK, May 23 (KUNA) -- Kuwait has stressed the urgent need to address the issue of missing persons in armed conflicts by tackling its root causes and promoting inclusive dialogue as a cornerstone for resolving disputes.
This came during remarks by the Minister Plenipotentiary and Deputy Permanent Representative of Kuwait at the United Nations, Faisal Al-Enezi, at a side event held Thursday at Kuwait's UN Mission.
The event was organized in partnership with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), and The Global Alliance for the Missing.
Al-Enezi cited ICRC reports indicating that 2024 recorded the highest annual rise in missing persons in over two decades, and stressed the urgent need for preventive measures and effective response mechanisms.
Highlighting Kuwait's leadership in this field, Al-Enezi noted the country's sponsorship of UN Security Council Resolution 2474 (2019)-the first resolution addressing missing persons in armed conflict, and emphasizes prevention, identification efforts, the return of remains to families, and accountability to support reconciliation and peace.
He also urged all conflict parties to register and report the personal details of detainees and ensure their ability to contact families.
Al-Enezi concluded by reaffirming Kuwait's commitment to fostering collective dialogue and practical cooperation among states, UN agencies, and civil society to better protect missing persons and prevent future cases. (end) ast.dss