KUWAIT RESPONDS
H.H. Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah
Graphic Design & Infographics by PAD10, Kuwait - Leba-
Content Introduction
The State of Kuwait became a United Nations member on 14th May 1963 thereby becoming the 111th United Nations member. In becoming a member, the State of Kuwait agreed to uphold the preamble of the charter of the UN which maintains that all UN members are to uphold a unified commitment to advance the cause of peace and social justice
Kuwait joined the across the United Nations the span of on 14th May 1963
globe. Over 50 years, we
have seen Kuwait uphold
this commitment through its active engagement with UN agencies and its generous donations historically to UN agencies and other independent humanitarian and charitable initiatives. These contributions have been put forth in the service of humanity in turn meaning that the State of Kuwait since its admission to the UN has left an indelible mark that will not be forgotten.
Kuwait Membership at UN Organizations
Kuwait an International Humanitarian Centre Designating His Highness as a “Humanitarian Leader” and the State of Kuwait as an “International Humanitarian Centre” Honouring the Amir of Kuwait, His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al- Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, by the United Nations as a “Humanitarian Leader”, and naming the State of Kuwait as the “International Humanitarian Centre”, is a natural consequence to the noble humanitarian and philanthropic leading role played by His Highness the Amir and the State of Kuwait. The United Nations celebratory honouring of His Highness the Amir and the State of Kuwait is an act of recognition that clearly expresses the world’s appreciation of the endless regional and international initiatives and the unprecedented generous donations provided by the State of Kuwait.
Praising His Highness is deemed to be the first precedent of its kind in the United Nations history. Due to Kuwait’s rich and long humanitarian history, HH is the first recipient of the “Humanitarian Leader” title, and the State of Kuwait is the first designated state to be named an “International Humanitarian Centre”. The State of Kuwait has contributed a vital role in alleviating the suffering of afflicted people as a result of disasters, conflicts, and wars around the world. It did not exclude any sect, race nor state of its donations, as its contributions extend throughout Africa, Europe, and Asia. The State of Kuwait’s substantial offerings has lifted burdens of a lot of men, women, and children suffering from many different types of crises, and have improved their daily living standards and raised the quality of assistance provided to them. The State of Kuwait represented by His Highness, its government, its people, and its charitable and humanitarian organizations, has become an exemplar among the international communities in its initiatives for helping refugees, internally displaced persons, and disaster victims who are sorely in need.
The history of the State of Kuwait humanitarian efforts
The generous role of the people of Kuwait during the humanitarian crises The generous role of the people of Kuwait is apparent and unmistakable. Due to their significant contributions and support, charitable and humanitarian organizations were able to achieve their assigned role in extending a helping hand to the most vulnerable communities in the world. With Kuwait’s substantial donations, humanitarian organisations were able to reach millions of indigents and supply them with basic needs, health, social, and educational services. They were also provided with job opportunities, safe housings, orphanages, and psychological support.
Kuwait has been involved in charity work since its inception in 1613, when a group of families landed on this good land on the shores of the Arabian Gulf. The sea has long been an important focus in the lives of the Kuwaitis; a source of livelihood, care and goodness, and along with this focus the values of compassion and solidarity and the desire to ‘rescue’ those who have been cut-off or ‘stranded’ in some way, has long been present in the norms of Kuwaiti people. Stemming from their generosity and humanitarian nature, Kuwaitis have always been quick to lend a helping hand to those in need and to help them overcome the difficulties they face, whether due to the sinking of ships or other disasters. Over time, charity work has evolved and taken root in the hearts of the people of Kuwait, who have embraced their humanitarian legacy, whether in the form of constructing schools and endowments, helping neighbours when their families travel or offering support and solidarity to the poor and needy
Deputy Prime Minister 1978
Minister of Foreign Affairs in 1992
Member of the Supreme Council of Planning 1996
1992
1996
Minister of Foreign Affairs in 1963
Minister of Guidance and Information in 1962
Chairman of the Printing and Publishing Authority from 1956 to 1962
Member of the Higher Council of Country Affairs in 1956
Head of the Department of Press and Publications in 1955
Member of the Central Committee Municipality Council from 1954 to 1955
1978
Kuwait Joined with UN 1963
1962
1962
1956
1955
1954
United Nations Humanitarian Leadership 2014
2003
2014
Amir of Kuwait 2006
Prime Ministers of Kuwait 2003
H.H. the Amir is the first in history to be honored by the UN with the title of Humanitarian Leader
The State of Kuwait’s exerted efforts in hosting three International Syrian Pledging Conferences. hrough Kuwait’s continued support and relentless pursuit to alleviate the suffering of the Syrian people, the State of Kuwait generously hosted the first International pledging conference for Syria in 2013. International leaders and actors were congregated and invited to the conference to discuss solutions for the Syrian crises and to provide donations to aid the Syrian refugees. Ever since, the State of Kuwait shared a sense of the magnitude of the responsibility with regards to the persistent conflict in Syria. Accordingly, the State of Kuwait hosted the Second International Humanitarian Pledging Conference in 2014 and the Third International Humanitarian Pledging Conference in 2015.
Kuwait Hosted Three International Syrian Pledging Conferences State of Kuwait contributions to UNHCR for Syrian Refugees 2015: USD120 million 1st Pledging Conference in 2013
$110 Millions
2nd Pledging Conference in 2014
$100 Millions
3rd Pledging Conference in 2015
$121 Millions
On 14 May 1963, Kuwait became the 111th member state of the United Nations. To mark this occasion, His Highness, the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmed Al Jaber Al Sabah (Minister of Foreign Affairs at the time) raised the flag of Kuwait at the flag raising ceremony in New York City at the UN headquarters.
On 8 April 1996, on behalf of the Government of Kuwait, HH the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, signed a cooperation agreement with UNHCR permitting it to open an office and to grant it appropriate privileges and immunities for performance of its work
Highness as a “Humanitarian Leader” and the State of Kuwait as an “International Humanitarian Centre” Honouring the Amir of Kuwait, His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al- Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, by the United Nations as a “Humanitarian Leader”, and naming the State of Kuwait as the “International Humanitarian Centre”, is a natural consequence to the noble humanitarian and philanthropic leading role played by His Highness the Amir and the State of Kuwait. The United Nations celebratory honouring of His Highness the Amir and the State of Kuwait is an act of recognition that clearly expresses the world’s appreciation of the endless regional and international initiatives and the unprecedented generous donations provided by the State of Kuwait. Praising His Highness is deemed to be the first precedent of its kind in the United Nations history. Due to Kuwait’s rich and long humanitarian history, HH is the first recipient of the “Humanitarian Leader” title, and the State of Kuwait is the first designated state to be named an “International Humanitarian Centre”. The State of Kuwait has contributed a vital role in alleviating the suffering of afflicted people as a result of disasters, conflicts, and wars around the world. It did not exclude any sect, race nor state of its donations, as its contributions extend throughout Africa, Europe, and Asia. The State of Kuwait’s substantial offerings has lifted burdens of a lot of men, women, and children suffering from many different types of crises, and have improved their daily living standards and raised the quality of assistance provided to them. The State of Kuwait represented by His Highness, its government, its people, and its charitable and humanitarian organizations, has become an exemplar among the international communities in its initiatives for helping refugees, internally displaced persons, and disaster victims who are sorely in need.
“Kuwait may be a small country in size but she has a big and broad and compassionate heart!� Secretary-General of the United Nations
Ban Ki-Moon
Picture of High Commissioner and Team Presenting Award to His Highness The Amir of the State of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.
Certificate of Appreciation
ﺷﻜﺮ ﻭﺗﻘﺪﻳــــﺮ ﻳﺘﻘﺪﻡ ﺍﳌﻔﻮﺽ ﺍﻟﺴﺎﻣﻲ ﻟﻸﱈ ﺍﳌﺘﺤﺪﺓ ﻟﺸﺆﻭﻥ ﺍﻟﻼﺟﺌﲔ ﺑﺄﺑﻠﻎ ﻋﺒﺎﺭﺍﺕ ﺍﻟﺘﻘﺪﻳﺮ ﻭﺍﻻﻣﺘﻨﺎﻥ
ﳊﻀﺮﺓ ﺻﺎﺣﺐ ﺍﻟﺴﻤﻮ ﺃﻣﻴﺮ ﺩﻭﻟﺔ ﺍﻟﻜﻮﻳﺖ ﺍﻟﺸﻴﺦ ﺻﺒﺎﺡ ﺍﻷﺣﻤﺪ ﺍﳉﺎﺑﺮ ﺍﻟﺼﺒﺎﺡ ﺣﻔﻈﻪ ﺍﷲ ﻭﺭﻋﺎﻩ ﻟﻠﻤﺴﺎﻫﻤﺎﺕ ﺍﳉﻠﻴﻠﺔ ﻭﺍﻟﺪﻋﻢ ﺍﻟﻼﻣﺤﺪﻭﺩ ﺍﻟﺬﻱ ﲢﻈﻰ ﺑﻪ ﺍﳌﻔﻮﺿﻴﺔ ﻣﻦ ﺣﻜﻮﻣﺔ ﺩﻭﻟﺔ ﺍﻟﻜﻮﻳﺖ ﻭﺧﺎﺻ ﹰﺔ ﻟﻌﻤﻠﻴﺎﺕ ﺍﳌﻔﻮﺿﻴﺔ ﺍﻹﻧﺴﺎﻧﻴﺔ ﺍﳌﺘﻌﻠﻘﺔ ﺑﺴﻮﺭﻳﺎ ،ﻭﻟﻠﻤﺒﺎﺩﺭﺍﺕ ﺍﻟﺴﺨﻴﺔ ﻭﺍﻟﺪﻭﺭ ﺍﻟﺮﻳﺎﺩﻱ ﺍﻟﺬﻱ ﺗﻀﻄﻠﻊ ﺑﻪ ﺩﻭﻟﺔ ﺍﻟﻜﻮﻳﺖ ﻓﻲ ﻣﺠﺎﻝ ﺍﻟﻌﻤﻞ ﺍﻹﻧﺴﺎﻧﻲ ﻋﻠﻰ ﺍﳌﺴﺘﻮﻳﲔ ﺍﻹﻗﻠﻴﻤﻲ ﻭﺍﻟﺪﻭﻟﻲ.
ﺃﻧﻄﻮﻧﻴﻮ ﻏﻮﺗﻴﺮﻳﺲ ﺍﻟﻜﻮﻳﺖ 13 ،ﻣﺎﻳﻮ 2014
Refugees are ordinary people living in extraordinary times As the conflict in Syria enters its fifth year, the needs of Syrians fleeing the conflict are greater than ever. By mid July the 2015, more than 4 million Syrian Refugees were registered or awaiting registration in the Arab Republic of Egypt (138,209 persons), the Republic of Iraq (225,303 persons), the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan (616,615 persons), the Lebanese Republic (1,143,900 persons), and the Republic of Turkey (1,097,740 persons). In the Syrian Arab Republic an estimated 12.2 million Syrians require humanitarian assistance, of which some 5 million are children and about 7.6 million are internally displaced people (IDPs). Of this total, the UN estimates that 4.8 million are located in hard-to-reach areas.
“There are no winners in this war; everyone is losing. But the highest price is paid by the refugees and the other innocent victims inside the country.” António Guterres, High Commissioner for Refugees
Syrian Refugees Facts & Figures
11 MILLION PERSONS
7 MILLION INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS
4 MILLION REGISTERED PERSONS
SYRIAN REFUGEES GROWTH WITH IN 5 YEARS
4,013,299
3,718,001
2,301,688
485,922
8,000
SYRIAN REFUGEES IN per country
2014 2013
1,143,900 832,005
2014 2013
616,615 560,059
2014 2013
2014 2013
2014 2013
1,097,740 527,307
225,303 208,054
138,209 128,158
Syrian Refugees Around the World by end of 2014
Syrian refugees in neighboring countries from data.unhcr.org/syrianrefugees
Kuwait Responds The needs of Syrians affected by the conflict and the communities that host them increase on a daily basis. As a result, the pressure on the existing infrastructure and public services in the neighbouring countries are becoming greater. Meanwhile, the conflict inside Syria continues unabated and the resources The significant are depleting rapidly. The contribution of US$ significant contribution of US$ 100million from 100 million from the State of Kuwait alleviated some of the State of Kuwait these pressures and provided alleviated some vital support and assistance for of these pressures Syrians fleeing the conflict. and provided In April 2014, the UN Refugee vital support and Agency (UNHCR) allocated this generous contribution in a assistance for Syrians coordinated manner based on fleeing the conflict. priority needs in Syria and the five neighbouring countries hosting Syrian refugees. During the course of the year, and as a result of changing operational needs in Egypt, Lebanon, Syria and Turkey, the reallocation of funds between sectors in these countries became necessary. These reallocations were approved by Kuwait in August and November 2014.
Kuwait Responds Facts & Figures
From 2012-2015 The State of Kuwait generously
contributed over $ 1 billion for Syrian Refugees CONTRIBUTIONS PER CAPITA
“Without Kuwait's leadership, I am sure we would be in a dramatically underfunded situation” António Guterres, High Commissioner for Refugees
KUWAIT RANKED
NO.2
POSITION IN CONTRIBUTION FOR SYRIAN REFUGEES IN 2015
Kuwait together with Germany, USA and the UK have contributed approx. 70% (Kuwait approx. 11%) of total funds contributed worldwide,Kuwait is amongst the top 4 donors to the Syrian crises worldwide with over USD1 billion contributed.
$15,332,080
$2,200,000
$15,000,000
$4,800,000
$34,300,000
$4,000,000
$14,322,080
$2,200,000
TOTAL = $8,000,000
$8,00,000
$1,000,000
TOTAL = $5,000,000
$5,000,000
TURKEY 5% SYRIA 7% LEBANON 30% IRAQ 10%
$8,300,000
JORDAN 40%
$7,367,920
TOTAL = $30,000,000
EGYPT 8%
Kuwait responds
donations for Syrian Refugees per country/sector
$28,367,920
TOTAL FUNDS $100,000,000
Achievements EGYPT
$5,000,000
$4,000,000
$1,000,000
IRAQ TOTAL = $10,000,000
$21,000,000
JORDAN
17,000 persons received monthly cash assistance
educational grants.
593 persons received emergency cash assistance 21,514 persons received winterization cash assistance 20 community support projects implemented 41,785 children able to attend school with
• 23 community support projects implemented • 13,950 household receiving core relief items • 27 buildings/structure constructed
• • • • • •
18,142 households received monthly cash assistance 42 community support projects implemented 35 kilometers of road constructed 6,000 shelters constructed 2,600 shelters maintained 16,000 household provided with electricity
• 12,428 families received cash grants for specific needs • 24,351 persons received assistance to cover
LEBANON
hospitalization costs
• 5,272 household assistance to cover hospitalization costs
• 11.005 household received emergency shelter • 43,855 families received shelter cash assistance.
SYRIA
$16,000,000
$3,000,000
TOTAL = $40,000,000
TOTAL = $7,000,000
$7,000,000
• • • • •
TURKEY
• 74,333 households received core relief sets
• • • •
15,400 families received kitchen sets 7,500 families received cooking facilities 50,000 families received core relief items 57,853 refugees received psycho-social health care
support
• 2,930 vulnerable persons received non-food item vouchers
Kuwait Missions & Initiatives
2014 Final Report On a quarterly and annual basis UNHCR Kuwait office shares with the government reports which document the distribution and allocation of the contribution funds for Syria and neighboring countries.
Joint Field Visit with IICO – Sudan On October 2014 a joint mission to Sudan was organized between IICO and UNHCR. Leading the delegation was Antonio Guterres the High Commissioner and H.E. Dr. Abdullah Al-Matouq (Head of IICO, Advisor at the Amiri Diwan and the UN Secretary General Humanitarian Envoy) took place on 21-22 October and focused on enhancing the support of the Government and the international donor community for the South Sudanese emergency and the internal displacement crisis. The mission included a field visit to South Sudanese refugee camps in White Nile State and meetings in Khartoum with the President and senior Government officials. The mission also met with the UN Humanitarian Country Team, donors, the press and key representatives from civil society.
National Assembly Speaker Visit In June 2014 UNHCR organized a visit for the Kuwait National Assembly Speaker along with his delegation with the aim to showcase UNHCR’s efforts to assist Syrian refugees on the ground, as well as to reflect the current state and remaining needs of the persons of concern. The delegation was taken to several destinations where POCs resided including a visit to a refugee children’s hospital.
Humanitarian Media Workshop UNHCR organized a workshop for media partners to shed light on UNHCR operations and its role and impact on Refugees and the essential role played by the media in this regard (transparency, public opinion, and fostering support). The Workshop was an all-day event held at the UN house in Kuwait on 30 April 2014 and was attended by a number of officials, including some from MoFA and MoInfo, in addition to 35 established members of the media (print, TV, online). Speakers included UNHCR, MoInfo, Kuwait Red Crescent, Kuwait News Agency and two media personalities (established writers, consultants with experience working with humanitarian organizations).
Media Delegation Field Visit Amman, Jordan In December 2013 UNHCR organized a field visit for a Kuwaiti media delegation to Jordan with the aim to showcase the impact of Kuwaiti assistance and UNHCR efforts on the lives of refugees on the ground, as well as to realistically reflect the current state and remaining needs of the persons of concern. The delegation consisted of media representatives, MOFA, and Ministry of Information representatives. The delegation visited the Zaatari and Azraq camps and Syrian refugee relief facilities in Jordan and had a firsthand experience of the impact of Kuwait’s contributions. The delegation received extremely wide and positive media coverage, as well as optimistic and encouraging feedback from Kuwaiti officials and partners.
Kuwait Responds
TV Series: Kuwait Responds UNHCR Kuwait in collaboration with the MoInfo and the MOFA produced a 13-episode TV series on UNHCR and Kuwait’s response to humanitarian emergencies worldwide. Statements from high level Kuwait officials, partners and colleagues, as well as footage from the field and other UNHCR operations were documented and included in the episodes. The series aired on KTV 1 every Wednesday at 22:30 (Kuwait time) from October to December 2014.
"I can tell you one simple thing when you go to Lebanon, Jordon, Iraq and see a tent or see child in school or see someone in a medical center, that would not be possible without the supports of Kuwait " "We are all very grateful to Kuwaiti leadership with the two conferences, thanks to leadership and generosity of Amir, my hope we will be able to deserve the support of Kuwait through our action around the world " when we see conflict after conflict everywhere, when we see that the international community has lost the capacity to prevent conflicts to timely solve them, when we see that for the first time in the second world war we have more than 50 million people that were displaced by war or by persecution in the world were understands the normal importance of having center like Kuwait. It’s important to note ,the role of one person have to
change the world is sometimes not valued sufficiently, His Highness of Kuwait by his initiatives, by his action change the humanitarian capacity, Kuwait is not just a humanitarian hub, It’s a humanitarian center which radiate whole world. Kuwait role is very important among Arab countries and a example to whole world, the country with a big heart and generosity to contribute to refugees of ongoing crisis. Generosity and solidarity in Kuwait is not something new, Kuwait has a long established policy of humanitarian support and development, this indeed raise the voice of Kuwait among the International communities. António Guterres United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Kuwait Humanitarian Figures Barjas Al-Barjas: Kuwait lost one of its humanitarian and media prominent figures with the passing of “Barjas Al-Barjas” at the age of 83. He was the head of board of directors of the Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS) since 1994, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health in 1973. Afterwards, he moved to working in the field of media and became the head of board of directors of Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) during 1976 – 1992. Al-Barjas was honored by the Red Cross, Red Crescent, and many other International and Humanitarian organizations with many titles and medals. • One of his most prominent charitable activities is his adoption to “abandoned infants” projects at the “Amiri Hospital” to transfer their affiliation to the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor. He also worked on developing a unit for “neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)”. In addition, he had the initiative in establishing the Nursing Institute, and he also coined the idea of establishing the blood bank. • AlBarjas and KRCS: The idea behind establishing the Kuwaiti Red Crescent Society (KRCS) came to Al-Barjas during the 60s along with Abdul Aziz Al-Saqer, Youssef Al-Haji, and Saad Al-Nahid. In December 1965, 18 persons held the first constituent meeting for KRCS, to put its statute. • • • • • • Dr. Abdullah AlMatouq: Background and milestones. • • • • • • • • Dr. Abdulrahma n AlSumait: Background & milestones. • • • • • • • Youssef Al-Hajji: Background & milestones.
Kuwait Humanitarian Organizations
Kuwait Red Crescent Society’s Role in Providing Relief for the Syrian People Kuwait Red Crescent Society is a voluntary humanitarian society that provides assistance to the most vulnerable people affected by social conflicts, wars or natural disasters without discrimination against any human being regardless of nationality, gender, color, race, religion or political and intellectual beliefs. The society operates through basic principles adopted from four Geneva Conventions and treaties, entirety made up from the International humanitarian law. These principles include; Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity and Universality. Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS) expresses its deep concern regarding the deteriorating Syrian circumstance. On this note, KRCS will not abandon its humanitarian duties towards caring for the refugees in Jordan and Lebanon. Kuwait’s hosting of the three International Humanitarian Pledging Conferences for Syria proves the role of Kuwaiti foreign affairs. His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah announced during the first conference, held during January 2013, Kuwait’s donation of $300 million towards the cause. During the second conference, the following year (January 2014) the amount of donations was increased to $500 million, and at the end of
March 2015, during the third conference, Kuwait donated a sum of $500 million. KRCS confirms that the State of Kuwait is an example for unlimited philanthropy. There is no doubt that the previous is consistent with the humanitarian mission of KRCS to provide relief for indigents and aid for those in need in ways that preserve their dignity and help them overcome their suffering, no matter what it may be. The previous is also coherent with a larger message that was conveyed through the honoring of HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah as the “Humanitarian Leader” and Kuwait as a center for humanitarian work.
KRCS for Refugees in Lebanon and Syria KRCS has been active since the beginning of the crises, sending consecutive aid to Syrian refugees in Lebanon and Syria from the designation of $20 million and $5 million from local donations. Kuwaiti citizens and residents of Kuwait have contributed to the launch of donations which continue to be collected on the Society’s website. KRCS sought to provide aid to Syrian refugees residing in Turkish Red Crescent camps in Turkey by presenting a total of $500,000 in aid donations through the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) including: • The distribution of food and blankets to 100,000 families • A project to break the fast of 100,000 families
• A project for providing heating for 5,000 families • A project for providing winter clothing for 6,000 families • Eid Al Fitir and Eid Al Ad’ha clothing for 6,000 families • Treating 30 dialysis patients in Lebanon as well as a kidney transplant for a Syrian child in Lebanon at the cost of $30,000 • A dental clinic in Lebanon and Jordan where 200 patients were treated • A project for the circumcision of Syrian children in Jordan where 3,000 children were circumcised • Rented bakeries to distribute bread for the length of 7 months which remains to take place today in Lebanon and Jordan, for there are 4 bakeries; 36 bakeries in all the governorates of Jordan. Through this project of daily distribution of bread for the duration of 30 days, 46 million bread have been distributed to Syrian refugees. • The distribution of 10,000 school bags to Syrian students in Jordan governorates • Paying school expenses for 1,000 Syrian students in various levels of education • Providing 500+ wheelchairs, crutches, and special devices for special with special needs • Providing clothes and shoes for Syrian refugees in Jordan for a total of 5,000 families • Restoration of two schools’ facilities in Jordan where Syrian students are taught for an equivalence of 20,000 JOD (Jordanian Dinars) • Donating two ambulances to the Jordanian Red Crescent Society (JRCS) to transfer wounded and injured Syrians • Paying rent for some Syrian families in Lebanon • Donating 5 incubators for premature infants to the JRCS hospital which admits pregnant Syrian patients •Supporting the JRCS hospital to treat Syrian patients, equating to $500,000; Syrians began
to receive free treatment starting from August, 10, 2015 • KRCS adopted the treatment of 10 wounded Syrian refugees; the parties in Lebanon cooperated with the Lebanese Red Cross KRCS delivers aid from Kuwait in over 100 trucks, carrying food, medicine and blankets. KRCS’ humanitarian support reached Syrian refugees in many Jordanian cities such as Ajloun, Amman, Al turrah, Al shajarah, Jerash, Irbid, Mafraq, Shoubak, Um Al rasas, Madaba, Ma’an, Tafilah, Aqaba, and Za’tari refugee camp. Donations have also been distributed in Lebanese cities including Tripoli, Arsal, Beirut, Beqaa Governorate, Sheba’a, Kaftoun, Sidon (Saida), Akkar, Assoun, and Ras Al naba’a.
Collaboration and Coordination The Kuwaiti Embassy plays the main role in collaboration and following-up with the humanitarian aid and projects through the work of KRCS in Lebanon and Jordan. In addition, to better locate Syrian refugees in Jordan and Lebanon, the KRCS coordinates with the Jordanian Red Cross and the Lebanese Red Cross. This is to ensure effective deliver and distribution of aid to Syrian refugees in need of it. KRCS continues to expand its programs to help Syrian refugees in Lebanon and Jordan, for all the humanitarian aid and support presented by the Society to those in need in different parts of the world is nothing but a humanitarian duty that the Society has been following for a long time.
In Jordan, an agreement about the utilization of the grant was signed with the Jordanian government in November 2014 to finance a number of projects in the health and municipal sectors in Syrian refugee concentrated governorates as shown in the chart below. Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development A Brief Summary about the Role of the Fund in Helping Syrian Refugees and their Neighboring Refugee-Hosting Countries during 2013-2015 As part of Kuwait’s pledge during the second International Humanitarian Pledging Conference for Syria which took place in Kuwait on the 15th of January, 2015, Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development granted $50 million (the first grant) of the $300 million originally pledged by the State of Kuwait. This grant was dedicated to finance infrastructure projects and to provide services and equipment in the health, education, water, and the municipal services sectors in Syrian refugee-hosting communities in Jordan and Lebanon to diminish the effects of the concentration of refugees in such communities. Lebanon’s share of this grant amounted to $27 million, while Jordan’s share amounted to $18 million. The remaining $5 million of this grant were left for unspecified emergencies to cover any urgent future necessities or for contributions to finance projects in other countries that have been effected by the repercussions of the Syrian crisis. An agreement about the utilization of the grant has been signed with the Lebanese government in January 2015 to finance a number of projects in the health, education, drinking water, and municipal services sector in Syrian refugee concentrated areas as show in the chart below.
Sectors
No. of Projects
Specified Amount (million USD) )
1
Health
6
14,250
2
Municipal
2
2,850
Emergency
0.900
Total
18,000
3
In addition to the previous, due to Kuwait’s pledge in the third International Humanitarian Pledging Conference for Syria held in Kuwait on the 31st of March 2015, the Board of Directors of Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development agreed to dedicate a grant worth $100 million (the second grant) of the $500 million originally pledged by the State of Kuwait in the conference. The Fund’s second grant was dedicated to contribute to the National Response Plan to support Syria’s neighboring refugee-hosting communities. The grant was distributed to Lebanon ($30 million), Jordan ($20 million), Egypt ($20 million), Turkey ($20 million), Iraq ($10 million). A discussion to reach an agreement with these countries about the utilization of their share from the second grant is currently taking place. The chart below summarizes the distribution of the Fund’s first and second grant on Syria’s refugee-hosting neighboring countries. Country
First Grant
Second Grant
Total ( million USD)
Lebanon
27
30
57
Jordan
-
20
38
Egypt
-
20
20
Sectors
No. of Projects
Specified Amount (million USD) )
1
Health
2
10,500
2
Education
1
4,800
3
Drinking water
2
2,300
Turkey
-
20
20
4
Solid waste treatment
4
8,025
Iraq
-
10
10
Emergency
1,375
Emergency
5
-
5
Total
27,000
Total
50
100
150
5