Int'l Red Cross chief applauds Kuwait-hosted int'l donor talks for Syria

By Tamer Abulainain GENEVA, March 30 (KUNA) -- Kuwait's decision to host international donor talks for Syrian refugees for a third year in a row should be "recognized and applauded," International Committee of the Red Cross chief Peter Maurer said.
Ahead of travelling to Kuwait to attend the event on March 31, he told KUNA in an interview that, "the generosity of the Kuwait government and His Highness Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to the ICRC and the (Red Cross and Red Crescent) Movement must also be acknowledged." Maurer said the ICRC is "very grateful" for Kuwait as it "has set an example of generosity within the Gulf and Middle East region that we hope other states can follow." At Kuwait III, the ICRC will be will be emphasizing its commitment to Syria, "our largest operation worldwide in budgetary terms now," and its determination "to do whatever we can to tackle the growing humanitarian needs there," he said.
It will also be reminding the parties to the conflict of "the basic rules of conflict" that must be obeyed.
"The wounded from whichever side must be allowed to receive medical care, hospitals must not be targeted, medical staff must not be attacked and detainees should be treated with respect.
He added that nations of influence will also be asked to encourage the sides to adhere to these principles.
In order to motivate donors to keep supporting its programmes on Syria, the ICRC chief explained he would be indicating to the "unprecedented" status of the conflict.
"We have witnessed the biggest refugee movement since World War II.
"There is no political solution in sight, and the influx of refugees has placed enormous social and financial strains on governments and host countries across the region.
Donor nations recognize that as the needs of those inside Syria continue to grow, so too do the needs of neighbouring governments hosting millions of refugees.
They also value also value the coordination with "professional, well-managed organisations that show clear long-term commitment to responding to needs," he said.
He went on to urge the need for humanitarian organisations requesting aid to show donors they are able to "adapt and adjust as needs evolve." He explained that in Syria the ICRC is having to manage water and electricity supply in order to continue its operations. (end) ta.sd