Kuwait: Iran's threat to international navigation disrupts supply chains and affects global trade

Kuwait’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, Ambassador Nasser Al-Hin, reaffirmed his country’s full solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the face of attacks it is enduring from Houthi militias, which constitute a blatant violation of international law. He also condemned Iran’s brazen attacks on countries in the region and its continued threat to the security of maritime passages and freedom of international navigation.

This statement was delivered by Ambassador Al-Hin before the Executive Committee of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Programme, held in Geneva from October 12 to 16.

In his statement, Al-Hin emphasized that Iranian attacks and assaults targeting the security, stability, and sovereignty of states, and hitting civilian objects, vital facilities, and infrastructure—resulting in casualties and severe material and economic damage—constitute a blatant violation of international law and the UN Charter.

He expressed Kuwait’s deep concern over the security, economic, and humanitarian repercussions of these attacks, which could spill over beyond the region’s borders. He called for intensified international and regional efforts to de-escalate tensions, protect civilians, and adhere to dialogue and diplomatic efforts as means to address crises and achieve security, stability, and peace.

He added that these repercussions extend beyond direct losses, threatening energy security, disrupting supply chains, affecting international trade flows, and exacerbating fragile humanitarian conditions, thereby deepening the suffering of peoples and undermining humanitarian and development response efforts.

He stressed that resolving crises cannot be achieved through escalation or the use of force, but rather through dialogue, diplomatic efforts, and work toward sustainable solutions that ensure security, stability, and peace for peoples, while respecting state sovereignty and territorial integrity and guaranteeing the security of maritime passages and freedom of navigation.

In the same context, Ambassador Al-Hin expressed Kuwait’s firm rejection of attempts to forcibly displace the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip and the continuation of settlement activities in the West Bank. He stressed the necessity of adhering to the provisions of international law and international humanitarian law, ensuring the protection of civilians, and guaranteeing the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid.

He expressed Kuwait’s concern over the politicization of humanitarian work and its use as a tool in conflicts, reiterating Kuwait’s firm rejection of targeting humanitarian workers or obstructing the delivery of aid to its intended beneficiaries, particularly amid the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, Sudan, and Yemen.

In this regard, the Ambassador reaffirmed Kuwait’s steadfast support for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and its appreciation for the vital role the agency plays in protecting refugees and forcibly displaced persons worldwide amid increasingly complex and widespread humanitarian challenges.

He noted that supporting refugees and displaced persons remains a constant priority for Kuwait, which has continued to provide assistance to those in need. He pointed out that Kuwait’s total humanitarian contributions to the UNHCR over the past decade exceeded $460 million, reflecting its commitment to supporting the agency’s efforts and responding to urgent humanitarian needs.

He welcomed the UNHCR’s efforts to transition from emergency humanitarian response to strengthening self-reliance and finding sustainable solutions for refugees, highlighting the importance of enabling them to access work, education, and essential services, and enhancing their ability to contribute to host communities.

He affirmed Kuwait’s support for digital transformation and ensuring connectivity for refugees, considering it a fundamental factor in facilitating their access to education, information, services, and employment opportunities.

and strengthening self-reliance and integration into host communities. Ambassador Al-Hin emphasized that the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees marks an occasion to renew collective commitment to the principles of refugee protection and to safeguard the human right to seek safety and protection. He stated that the most effective response to displacement crises begins with preventing conflicts and addressing their root causes by supporting political pathways, preventive diplomacy, and conflict resolution through dialogue. He added that peace is the true means to end displacement, and that sustainable solutions must create conditions for voluntary, safe, and dignified returns to countries of origin, in full respect for international law and the principle of non-refoulement. He also reaffirmed Kuwait’s continued support for international efforts to protect refugees and displaced persons, to support host countries and communities, and to promote sustainable solutions, thereby placing humanity, human dignity, and the protection of individuals at the forefront of international action.