Humanitarians highlight importance of Syrian donor talks

KUWAIT, March 30 (KUNA) -- Humanitarians attending aid-pledging talks for Syrians displaced internally and in neighbouring countries have underlined the importance of these talks dubbed, Kuwait III in gaining global pledges to the cause.
The UN chief's humanitarian envoy, Amiri Diwan Advisor and president of the International Islamic Charity Organisation Abdullah Al-Maatouq said it was important for the international community to intervene as the situation in Syria is deteriorating.
Speaking to reporters at NGO donor talks a day ahead of a similar event for governments, he said had to put a stop to this "humanitarian tragedy" and make sure it does not repeat in other neighbouring countries.
He expressed gratitude for the "generous" pledges made by the NGOs at the talks, which reached a total USD 506 million.
The amounts that have been donated are dealt with extreme scrutiny, he said, and are transferred to Kuwait's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He ensured that the process is transparent, and that it fully conforms to the principles of charity work.
Mistakes in the past two events over the duplication of humanitarian work resulting from the pledges and instead diversifying support for the Syrians was ensured this time around, he added.
For her part, the Arab League's chief envoy for humanitarian and relief affairs Sheikha Hessa Al-Thani said that the value of pledges from NGOs has increased for the third year in a row, adding this outlines their commitment to the matter.
What characterises the NGO talks this year is the evident coordination she had witnessed in ensuring all needs pertaining to the Syrians, said the Arab League official.
She also expressed confidence that government talks in one days' time will be of equal commitment.
The state charity Kuwait Public Awqaf Foundation Secretary General Abdulmohsen Al-Kharafi indicated to the "huge magnitude of the catastrophe," adding that the body responded to the calls of His Highness the Amir in coming to the aid of the Syrian people.
The state charity presented USD five million to the cause, he revealed, expressing gratitude to other fellow international charities and humanitarian bodies for their contributions to the crisis, he described as a "humanitarian duty." The Secretary General of the Arab Red Crescent and Red Cross Organization (ARCO) Abdullah Al-Hazzaa pointed out Kuwait's leading role in hosting humanitarian initiatives.
ARCO has carried out several relief programmes on the ground targeting healthcare, shelter and homes for refugees and improving their living standards, he said.
Kuwait's Red Crescent Society Chairman Hilal Al-Sayer called for a "long-term strategy on providing support covering all humanitarian aspects." It should not focus on relief and medical services alone.
Aid should be administered according to a revised plan aimed at development projects in the fields of healthcare, education and psychological support, he added.
"We are being put before a humanitarian and moral responsibility that obliges us to double our efforts in easing their suffering (Syrians) and to do more to provide their essential needs as the crisis enters its fifth year with all the negative and dangerous aspects on the humanitarian and security fronts that brings," he said.
KRCS contributed around USD 20 million as aid for the Syrian people and continues to give, he revealed, calling on his government to give more to the cause.
About its activities on the ground, he said the Kuwaiti relief body carried out several programmes like the daily loaf of bread, food coupon handout, kidney dialysis and dental clinic campaigns, along with seasonal projects like the Ramadan breakfast, new Eid clothing for children and their families, warm winter clothing and the Eid meat giveaway. (pickup previous) kt.sd