Kuwait's role on global humanitarian efforts "unprecedented" - UN official

KUWAIT, March 29 (KUNA) -- Kuwait's role in supporting global humanitarian efforts is "unprecedented" and is growing day by day, according to a UN official.
Addressing attendees of a seminar on the growing role of Gulf states on the matter, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) spokesperson Ayad Hassan praised Kuwait's efforts on Syria two days ahead of third donor global talks for the crisis.
After hosting the former two conferences aimed at raising pledges for Syrians displaced internally and in neighbouring countries, he said that thanks to Kuwait's following up of pledges made at Kuwait II, nations fulfilled over 90 percent.
He described Kuwait as a "partner" that the UN resorts to when it is lacking in funds, in addition to being a "leading example in generosity and moral obligation." Relief efforts have focused on providing food and healthcare to the Syrian refugees in bordering host communities that have been swamped by the sheer huge influx of people fleeing the conflict, he indicated.
The donor conference should stop or resolve the conflict in Syria as this huge influx abroad should come to a halt through reaching a political solution, he suggested.
As a humanitarian, he said he was committed to the role, adding that the people in his line of work need political and financial support to continue their role in Syria.
He went on to mention that 72 humanitarians have lost their lives, including 45 from the Syrian Red Crescent alone.
Indicating current needs, he said they should not only target food and drink but, at in the time being, should aim to build the capabilities of the Syrians.
Humanitarian societies are trying to deliver assistance inside Syria but tens of thousands remain under siege, he also mentioned.
Some 12.5 million Syrians have been displaced internally and across Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey, Iraq and Egypt, due to the conflict in their country that has just entered its fifth year.
Kuwait I and II in 2013 and 2014 raised collective international pledges from nations and NGOs worth a total USD 3.9 billion - USD 1.5 billion and USD 2.4 billion respectively.
Of these pledges, Kuwait donated a collective USD 800 million, including USD 300 million and USD 500 million. (end) kt.sd