Kuwait Delivers Timely Contribution to Help Syrian Refugees Weather Winter Months

GENEVA, 14 November 2016 (UNHCR) - UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is delighted to announce that the State of Kuwait has made a significant new contribution to support efforts to protect and assist refugees affected by the Syria crisis.

The recent contribution of USD 7,960,000 to UNHCR will be used to support Syrian refugees in Lebanon, providing urgently needed winter assistance to some 25,000 families through the provision of monthly cash transfers via ATM cards. Winter is a particularly difficult time for vulnerable refugees in Lebanon, who must incur additional expenditure to allow them to stay warm, dry, and adequately clothed and fed.

“For the fourth consecutive year, Kuwait has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to addressing the humanitarian consequences of the Syria situation,” said Filippo Grandi, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. “With the winter season fast approaching, this timely contribution will significantly support thousands of Syrian refugee families as they brace for the cold months ahead.”

Since 2013, Kuwait has contributed close to USD 350 million to UNHCR to support the Agency in addressing the critical needs of displaced people across the globe and in particular those affected by the Syria and Iraq crises. Kuwait remains UNHCR’s largest donor from the Middle East and North African region.

“I am personally grateful to His Highness the Emir, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and the generous people of Kuwait for this important humanitarian gesture,” Mr. Grandi added. 

In addition to hosting three consecutive international donor conferences, Kuwait co-hosted the ‘Supporting Syria and the Region’ conference, which was held earlier this year in London and during which Kuwait also pledged 300 million USD for the Syria humanitarian response over the next three years.

There are some 4.8 million Syrian refugees registered with UNHCR in Syria’s neighbouring countries, with Lebanon hosting some 1,017,430.

Syrians continue to be the largest refugee population under UNHCR’s mandate.

For further information:

• In UAE: Mohammed Abu Asaker; [email protected] or +971 506 213 552
• In Geneva: Matthew Saltmarsh; [email protected] or +41 79 217 3140