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Kuwait Times
5 days ago
- Politics
- Kuwait Times
Kuwait places humanitarian concerns at forefront of its foreign policy
Workshop highlights Kuwait's longstanding role as a leading donor KUWAIT: Chairman of the Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS) Ambassador Khaled Al-Mughamis reaffirmed Kuwait's unwavering commitment to humanitarian causes and its dedication to strengthening partnerships with international organizations in the fields of relief and humanitarian aid. Speaking at the opening of a three-day workshop on international humanitarian law, organized by the KRCS in collaboration with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Al-Mughamis highlighted Kuwait's longstanding role as a leading donor and supporter of global relief efforts. 'Kuwait has consistently placed humanitarian concerns at the forefront of its foreign policy,' Al-Mughamis said, underlining the country's eagerness to sustain its humanitarian approach in close cooperation with international bodies, particularly the ICRC. He noted that KRCS, inspired by these values, is committed to delivering aid to vulnerable populations in both times of peace and in the face of crises and disasters, locally and internationally. This, he stressed, is in alignment with the society's fundamental humanitarian principles, which prioritize the protection of human dignity under the most challenging circumstances, especially during armed conflicts. Participants attend the workshop. – KUNA photos Head of the ICRC delegation to the GCC countries, Mamadou Sow International Humanitarian Law Workshop, organized by the Kuwait Red Crescent Society in coordination and cooperation with the International Committee of the Red Cross. Turning to the significance of the workshop, Al-Mughamis described international humanitarian law as a vital framework aimed at mitigating human suffering during warfare and upholding human dignity even in the direst conditions. He emphasized the importance of spreading awareness and understanding of these principles among individuals and institutions to prevent violations and promote respect for human rights. He also praised the ICRC for its pivotal role in advancing international humanitarian law and for its continued support to national societies, including the KRCS, through technical and educational assistance. For his part, Mamadou Sow, Head of the ICRC's Regional Delegation for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, expressed pride in the enduring partnership with the KRCS. He lauded the society's dedication to promoting and defending the principles of international humanitarian law. 'This workshop is not merely a training event—it is a powerful message of humanity, promoting awareness, self-restraint, and solidarity,' Sow said. He also expressed deep sorrow over the recent tragic events in Gaza, particularly the loss of International Red Cross Movement members in Khan Younis, extending condolences to the victims' families and colleagues. The workshop features in-depth discussions on key topics such as the role of the International Red Cross Movement, the fundamentals of international humanitarian law, the intersection of international law and armed conflict, the work of the International Criminal Court, and the protection of civilians through both Islamic Sharia and international humanitarian standards. Representatives from various Kuwaiti ministries, institutions, and associations are participating in the event, which aims to bolster understanding and implementation of humanitarian law and to reinforce its core values across the region. — KUNA
Kuwait Times
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Kuwait Times
KRCS raises awareness on humanitarian law
KUWAIT: Chairman of the Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS), Ambassador Khaled Al-Mughamis, underscored the vital importance of raising awareness on international humanitarian law (IHL) and its role in mitigating human suffering during armed conflicts. In a statement issued Wednesday, Al-Mughamis announced the Society's preparations to host a specialized workshop on IHL from May 26 to 28, in coordination with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The event aims to promote the dissemination of IHL principles and enhance understanding of its humanitarian foundations and applications. Al-Mughamis noted that the workshop will feature a series of expert-led lectures focusing on key aspects of international humanitarian law, particularly those relating to the protection of civilians, the treatment of detainees, the facilitation of humanitarian aid, and the legal framework governing safe access in conflict zones. The agenda will also include discussions on the role of the International Criminal Court. He highlighted the importance of fostering awareness of IHL among young people and professionals in the humanitarian and medical sectors. 'Respecting and implementing the principles of IHL plays a crucial role in reducing violations and alleviating the suffering of affected populations,' he said. The workshop also seeks to familiarize participants with the core humanitarian principles underpinning IHL and its essential legal provisions that guide the conduct of parties during armed conflict. Al-Mughamis pointed out that the program will provide a platform for analyzing legal and practical challenges related to the application of IHL and encourage the dissemination of legal knowledge within local communities. Furthermore, the event will address a range of key topics including an overview of IHL, fundamental principles, the protection of vulnerable groups during conflicts, the role of Red Crescent and Red Cross national societies, and the intersection of IHL with international justice mechanisms. Al-Mughamis affirmed that the workshop aligns with the Society's ongoing commitment to strengthening partnerships with international organizations and reinforcing Kuwait's prominent role in global humanitarian efforts.- KUNA
Kuwait Times
10-05-2025
- Politics
- Kuwait Times
Kuwait's humanitarian leadership praised at Red Crescent meeting
KUWAIT: Kuwait's humanitarian leadership received strong praise on Thursday during the 21st meeting of the Committee of Presidents and Heads of Gulf Red Crescent Societies, held in Kuwait. Khalid Al-Sunaidi, Assistant Secretary-General for Economic Affairs at the General Secretariat of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), commended Kuwait's global relief efforts and the wise leadership of His Highness the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, who presides over the current GCC Supreme Council session. Al-Sunaidi expressed gratitude for Kuwait's continued support of Gulf joint action, aimed at achieving progress and prosperity for citizens across the region. Highlighting the role of Red Crescent societies in responding to humanitarian crises, Al-Sunaidi also noted the growing number of volunteers across the GCC. He mentioned the honoring of 80 volunteers with the Volunteer Work Award as part of efforts to recognize contributions to the humanitarian sector. Khalid Al-Sunaidi Ambassador Khaled Al-Maghames Speaking at the event, Ambassador Khaled Al-Maghames, Chairman of the Kuwait Red Crescent Society, emphasized that the gathering sent "an important message to the world" about Gulf unity, cooperation, and collective humanitarian action. "Our societies have achieved tangible progress in humanitarian work thanks to the vision of GCC leaders," Al-Maghames said, crediting strong leadership for major policy milestones and new initiatives in the field. Al-Maghames stressed that increasing coordination between Gulf Red Crescent societies is critical for deepening understanding and strengthening ties among member states. He added that Kuwait, through the Kuwait Red Crescent Society, remains at the forefront of emergency relief efforts — with active campaigns supporting Palestine, Syria, Yemen, Somalia, Sudan, and other crisis-hit nations. The meeting's agenda included reviewing current and future cooperation plans among national Red Crescent societies, developing joint humanitarian strategies, and strengthening partnerships with international organizations. Participants also discussed internal action plans, training programs, a strategic media plan, and preparations for the upcoming GCC Red Crescent Day celebrations. In closing, officials reaffirmed their collective commitment to advancing Gulf humanitarian collaboration and providing aid to those affected by crises around the world, with Kuwait playing a leading role in these efforts. — KUNA
Kuwait Times
07-05-2025
- General
- Kuwait Times
Gulf unity is ‘key to tackling humanitarian challenges': KRCS
KUWAIT: Secretary-general and board member of the Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS), Fahad Ahmad Al-Mandeel, reaffirmed the long-standing commitment of Gulf Red Crescent societies as 'active forces in humanitarian work at both regional and Gulf levels.' His remarks came during the 21st Meeting of the Presidents of Red Crescent Authorities and Societies in GCC Countries, held in Kuwait on Wednesday. Al-Mandeel stressed that unity and complementarity among societies are essential to achieving greater impact and long-term sustainability. 'What gives us even more confidence and pride is the complete consensus among us,' he noted. Al-Mandeel honored the memory of eight staff members from the Palestinian Red Crescent Society who lost their lives while serving in Gaza. 'Today, we are witnessing suffering across several Arab countries—Gaza under siege, Sudan and Somalia in crisis, Syria and Lebanon struggling—where humanity is being tested and lives are on the line,' he said. Faced with these growing challenges, Al-Mandeel emphasized the urgent humanitarian responsibility of the Red Crescent societies to act. 'Our humanitarian responsibility compels us to establish unified Gulf coordination and adopt practical, integrated mechanisms that elevate joint action,' he urged. He added that the meeting will discuss key topics aimed at strengthening the humanitarian and relief roles of Red Crescent organizations across the GCC. 'Our collective efforts and full alignment give us strength and hope,' he said. Presidents of Red Crescent authorities and Societies in GCC Countries pose for a group photo. Strategic vision for 2025 Delivering the second address, Abdullah Ali Al-Rubaie, Head of the Human and Environmental Affairs Sector at the GCC General Secretariat, outlined the strategic priorities of the meeting. Central to the discussions is the implementation of the 2025 Strategic Plan, based on nine main pillars. These include expanding volunteer efforts, building human capacities, strengthening cooperation with regional organizations, and enhancing the Gulf Red Crescent's role in humanitarian, relief, and development sectors. 'Your decisions today are vital to advancing our joint humanitarian and economic efforts toward true integration,' said Al-Rubaie. He also stressed the importance of coordinated media strategies, joint disaster response frameworks, and the celebration of Gulf Red Crescent Day as a symbol of unity and shared humanitarian vision. The 21st edition of the meeting comes at a time of mounting pressure on relief agencies, as the region continues to grapple with ongoing conflicts, natural disasters, and humanitarian emergencies. The Kuwait Red Crescent Society, under the leadership of Ambassador Khaled Mohammed Al-Mughamis, reaffirmed its commitment to deepening cooperation with fellow GCC Red Crescent societies and the GCC General Secretariat, particularly the Human and Environmental Affairs Sector led by Al-Rubaie. Together, Gulf Red Crescent organizations aim to boost visibility and operational effectiveness across the region, ensuring that collective humanitarian action remains strong, responsive, and united in the face of growing challenges.
Arab Times
24-03-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
Foolproof security around Grand Mosque
KUWAIT CITY, March 24: As mosques across the country are crowded with worshipers seeking forgiveness and pardon during the holy month of Ramadan, the Ministry of Interior has been deploying patrols from various security sectors around these mosques -- especially the Grand Mosque, whose number of worshipers continues to increase day by day and is expected to reach its peak during the remaining nights of the holy month - to protect them and ensure smooth entry and exit for visitors. The newspaper reviewed the ministry's security preparations around the Grand Mosque. Director General of the Civil Defense Department Brigadier General Nabil Hussein Al-Shatti confirmed that the department worked with various sectors in the ministry and other State institutions in securing the mosques during the last 10 days of Ramadan. He said the department's personnel and vehicles were deployed to the Grand Mosque and several other mosques, in addition to the deployment of approximately 120 volunteers at the Grand Mosque and 50 at other mosques, as well as the Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS), which operates under the supervision of the department. He disclosed that the volunteers provide all the necessary facilities to worshipers, as well as the required care and attention for the elderly and people with special needs. He added these volunteers serve the worshipers during these blessed nights of Ramadan. He added the department oversees the evacuation process in emergencies, Allah forbid, and also the evacuation of missing persons. Meanwhile, Assistant Director of the Capital Rescue Patrols Brigadier General Mishaal Al-Shahman said that as per the directive of acting Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousuf; the ministry has taken security and traffic measures to implement the security plan to ensure the safety of worshipers and ease their entry to and exit from the mosques. During his recent visit to the Grand Mosque with officials from the Emergency Patrols, Public Security, Traffic, Civil Defense, and Investigation sectors; Al- Shahman told the newspaper that 'the Capital emergency patrols are deployed at all intersections around the Grand Mosque, the parking lots and markets, to secure these areas during the last ten days of Ramadan.' He explained that the presence of security personnel including female police officers is intended to assist and protect worshipers and harness all resources to enable them to perform their prayers without facing difficulties in reaching the mosques. He stressed, 'it is our duty to assist them and our primary job is to care for the people.' He urged worshipers to avoid crowding after completing the prayer, so they can head to their vehicles with ease. Assistant Director of Traffic Awareness at the General Traffic Department Lieutenant Colonel Abdullah Bu Hassan affirmed that the department has prepared a proactive plan for the last 10 days of Ramadan. He revealed this plan includes deploying field security personnel to mosques, particularly those with large number of worshipers like the Grand Mosque. He added the department is coordinating with the Grand Mosque administration to transport worshipers to and from designated parking spaces before and after prayers. He revealed that 27 buses have been provided to transport worshipers from three locations -- Sharq Market, the square opposite Al-Sanabel Tower, and the square opposite Sharq Police Station. 'Two locations have been allocated for the elderly and people with special needs in the parking lots of Al-Manakh and Al-Tujar markets, opposite the Grand Mosque. Transportation of worshipers begins at 10:00 pm,' he stated. He continued saying that the ministry, in cooperation with various security sectors, mobilized all resources to ensure the safe arrival of worshipers to mosques, especially on the 27th night of Ramadan when a large number of worshipers usually fl ock to the Grand Mosque. He called on worshippers to park their vehicles properly; and to refrain from blocking others, parking on sidewalks or blocking entrances and exits. Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff
