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Human rights

Kuwait Emphasizes Humanitarian Access and Protection in Global Conference

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Permanent Mission of the State of Kuwait to the UN in Geneva recently organized a high-level side event highlighting the importance of humanitarian access and the protection of humanitarian workers in conflicts. The event brought together representatives from the UN, international organizations, and humanitarian organizations, as well as diplomatic delegations. Kuwait's commitment to strengthening international cooperation and fostering partnerships between humanitarian and human rights actors was reaffirmed by Ambassador Nasser Al-Hayen, who emphasized the need for effective and dignified responses to people affected by conflicts and disasters.

Key Takeaways:

  • The event highlighted the critical need for humanitarian access and the protection of humanitarian workers in conflicts, particularly in the Gaza Strip where humanitarian staff face serious violations that hinder relief operations and endanger civilians.
  • UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food Michael Fakhri warned against the alarming increase in the use of starvation as a weapon of war, particularly in Gaza, and criticized the Security Council's failure to operationalize its Resolution 2417 (2018).
  • Humanitarian Access Advisor at the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Patrick Duplat expressed deep concern over the militarization of aid, particularly in Gaza, where assistance is used to serve political or military objectives.
  • The Head of the OHCHR's Asia MENA and Pacific Division Francesco Motta highlighted the "moral and legal collapse" in conflict zones, particularly in Gaza, where over 467 humanitarian workers were killed since October 7, including 323 UN staff.
  • According to the May 2025 IPC assessment, 1 million people in Gaza are projected to face IPC Phase 4 (emergency) while 470,000 are at risk of IPC Phase 5 (catastrophe) by September out of a population of 2.1 million.
  • Director of Health Emergencies and Humanitarian Response at the World Health Organization Altaf Musani revealed that over 8,630 attacks on health facilities and workers have been documented since 2018, resulting in over 4,000 deaths and 6,000 injuries.
  • Professor Marco Sassoli of the University of Geneva emphasized that starvation and discrimination are twin violations of international humanitarian law, and that arbitrary denial of humanitarian aid amounts to prohibited discrimination.

Statistics:

  • 467 humanitarian workers were killed in Gaza since October 7, including 323 UN staff.
  • 1,581 healthcare workers were killed (1,066 men and 415 women) in addition to 122 civil defense personnel.
  • 1 million people in Gaza are projected to face IPC Phase 4 (emergency) by September.
  • 470,000 people in Gaza are at risk of IPC Phase 5 (catastrophe) by September.
  • Over 8,630 attacks on health facilities and workers have been documented since 2018.
  • Over 4,000 deaths and 6,000 injuries have resulted from attacks on health facilities and workers since 2018.
  • 2024 witnessed the highest death toll ever recorded among humanitarian workers with 377 fatalities across 20 countries, including 168 UN personnel.

Sources:

  • Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)
  • United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) 59th session
  • Statement by UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food Michael Fakhri
  • Speech by Ambassador Nasser Al-Hayen, Permanent Representative of the State of Kuwait to the United Nations and other international organizations in Geneva
  • Remarks by Patrick Duplat, Humanitarian Access Advisor at the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)
  • Presentation by Francesco Motta, Head of the OHCHR's Asia MENA and Pacific Division
  • Statement by Altaf Musani, Director of Health Emergencies and Humanitarian Response at the World Health Organization
  • Remarks by Professor Marco Sassoli, University of Geneva

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