Kuwait concerned over growing number of refugees - amb. Al-Otaibi

NEW YORK, June 25 (KUNA) -- Kuwait expressed concern over the growing numbers of refugees and internally displaced people, calling for preventing conflicts to resolve the situation.
The remarks were made by Kuwait's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Mansour Al-Otaibi, during the UN Security Council's Arria Formula session on meeting the needs of refugees and displaced people, held late Monday.
The international community celebrated the World Refugee Day last Thursday as the numbers of refugees and internally displaced persons jumped to about 70.8 million, according to a report by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), said Al-Otaibi.
On this matter, the ambassador welcomed the announcement of the African Union on making 2019 the "Year of Refugees, Returnees and Internally Displaced Persons: Towards Durable Solutions to Forced Displacement in Africa." He expressed full support to Union in resolving this vital issue, as the continent celebrates the 50th anniversary of the 1969 Convention on protecting refugees in Africa.
Meanwhile, the Kuwaiti senior diplomat presented three key solution to face the growing number of refugees, including preventing the breakout of conflicts at early stages, boosting international and regional cooperation and improving the humanitarian conditions for refugees.
The growing numbers of refugees and displaced people come with high political and financial costs, said Al-Otaibi, adding that it also affects regional stability.
Moreover, Al-Otaibi noted UNHCR's efforts to help refugees adapt to their new environment, while also aiding host countries in meeting the needs of refugees.
The Arria Formula is an informal arrangement that allows the Council greater flexibility to be briefed about international peace and security issues. It has been used frequently and assumed growing importance since it was first implemented in March 1992. (end) ag