UNHCR and Kuwaiti Charities Sign Agreements to Support Displaced families in Sudan and Bangladesh

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, signed two agreements with Namaa Charity Society, part of the Social Reform Society, and the Islamic Care Charity Society, under the auspices of the Ministry of Social Affairs, to strengthen humanitarian support for internally displaced people in Sudan and Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh through essential healthcare, shelter and cash assistance.

The agreements were signed at the headquarters of Namaa Charity Society in the presence of representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Social Affairs, and partner organizations. The occasion underscored Kuwait’s longstanding support for global humanitarian response efforts and reaffirmed its continued commitment to supporting forcibly displaced people worldwide.

Funding from Namaa Charity Society’s contribution will support healthcare interventions in Bangladesh, including vaccination campaigns targeting approximately 131,000 Rohingya refugee children under the age of five. While Islamic Care Charity Society’s contribution will help improve shelter conditions for 327 refugee families in Bangladesh and provide cash assistance to conflict-affected families in Sudan, enabling them to address their most urgent needs.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, Khaled Khalifa, Advisor and UNHCR Representative to the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, said: "These agreements reaffirm our collective responsibility to support forcibly displaced communities in Sudan and Bangladesh. They reflect Kuwait’s humanitarian values and the vital role of charitable organizations in responding to displacement challenges”, he added, “Through these partnerships, UNHCR will continue delivering life-saving support to vulnerable families, helping them meet their urgent needs and rebuild their lives with dignity and hope."

On his part, Dr. Khaled Mathkour Al-Mathkour, Chairman of the Social Reform Society, stated: “Our partnership with UNHCR represents an extension of the humanitarian role played by Kuwaiti charitable institutions in supporting those most in need. The agreement aims to support health activities for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh by providing medical supplies and medicines and strengthening awareness, vaccination and prevention programmes, thereby improving children’s and refugee families’ access to essential healthcare services.”

Meanwhile, Alia Hussein Al-Abkal, Vice Chairperson of the Board of Islamic Care Charity Society, said: “We believe that humanitarian partnerships play a vital role in reaching the most vulnerable communities. Through our cooperation with UNHCR, we hope to contribute to meaningful support that improves the daily lives of displaced families.”

In Bangladesh, Rohingya refugees rely heavily on humanitarian assistance for protection, food, water, shelter, and health care. They live in temporary shelters in highly congested camp settings in Cox’s Bazar and on the island of Bhasan Char. With Bangladesh ranking among the countries most affected by natural disasters, Rohingya refugees are highly exposed to weather-related hazards such as cyclones, flooding, and landslides.

In Sudan, more than three years of conflict have created the world’s largest displacement crisis, forcing 11.3 million people from their homes. The conflict has devastated critical infrastructure and severely disrupted access to essential services, including safe water, health care and shelter. Millions of people continue to face acute food insecurity, while famine has been confirmed in some areas and many others remain at risk.