Maatouq urges global action to end human suffering in conflict zones
MANAMA: Chairman of the Kuwait-based International Islamic Charitable Organization Dr Abdullah Al-Maatouq has urged the international community to act swiftly to end suffering of traumatized people in hot spots around the world.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Seventh Annual Conference for Effective Partnerships and Information Sharing For Better Humanitarian Action, currently held in Manama, Maatouq called for the enforcement of relevant international laws to protect civilians in conflict zones.
Violators of international laws should be held accountable to their actions, he accentuated. Al-Maatouq, also UN Special Envoy for Humanitarian Affairs and Advisor to the Kuwait Amiri Diwan, called for increasing efforts to share the burden of Syrian, Iraqi and Yemeni refugees with the hosting countries. He stressed the need for innovative and sustainable solutions to help people affected by conflicts and natural disasters.
Meanwhile, Maatouq expressed gratitude to Sheikh Nasser Al-Khalifa, representative of Bahrain’s King for charitable action and youth affairs, for honoring and awarding him Sheikh Nasser Prize for Humanitarian Action on Monday.
The prize is granted to figures and institutions providing humanitarian and charitable services for needy people. Up to 250 officials working in humanitarian action, and charitable and relief institutions are taking part in the two-day event.
The conference aims to boost information sharing and partnerships amongst humanitarian organizations in the Middle East region as well as share initiatives and ideas regarding settling disputes, and empowering youth and females. —KUNA