KUWAIT, Dec 8 (KUNA) -- Officials of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) on Monday affirmed significance of the partnership with the State of Kuwait for supporting the IOM efforts in humanitarian response and programs for protecting victims of crises.
This came during a news conference, organized by the IOM mission in the State of Kuwait, marking a visit by the current IOM Deputy Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Justin MacDermott, chiefs of the IOM missions in Yemen and Sudan, and the coordinators for the regional response for Gaza crisis and the programs in Syria, respectively Karl Baker and Othman Belbeisi.
The officials who spoke during the conference shed light on their talks with Kuwait officials that dealt with means of boosting mutual cooperation in the realm of humanitarian and development efforts. They affirmed that the existing cooperation with Kuwait constitutes the basis for executing field projects and coordinating relief operations.
Baker said that the humanitarian situation in Gaza is witnessing unprecedented challenges that require intensive coordination among the stakeholders to ensure flow of aid. IOM teams have been acting to secure urgent assistance for the Gaza population and facilitate handover of medical and relief supplies amid hard field circumstances. he said.
The IOM teams have been assessing needs of the residents in Gaza, setting priorities and beefing up field efforts, Baker said, also noting that tasks cover securing water, delivering medical services and protecting the most vulnerable segments of the Gazans.
Baker indicated that the humanitarian missions require effective partnerships with supportive states that play a pivotal role in backing up the IOM humanitarian programs in Gaza.
Meanwhile, Abdusattor Esoev (Tajikistan), the Chief of the IOM mission in Yemen, said more than 4.8 million Yemenis have been relocated amid mounting needs among 19.5 million people.
Years of strifes and deteriorating humanitarian conditions created complex challenges in Yemen, he affirmed, noting diverse political and security hardships and difficulty to reach vital services.
Mazen AboulHosn, the chief of the IOM mission in Kuwait, said in the conclusion of the conference that the organization made a global appeal for 2026 to raise USD 4.7 billion to help 41 million people in need round the globe. He alluded to diverse humanitarian and climatic crises affecting vulnerable communities. (end) mnm.rk