Red Crescent: Protecting Human Life and Dignity is a Priority

This came during a celebration held by the Kuwait Red Crescent Society to mark the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, observed annually on October 13. This year’s theme is “Resilience Begins at Home,” with participation from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Regional Delegation to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and the General Fireforce.

Speaking to KUNA on the sidelines of the event, Al-Mughamsi emphasized that protecting human life and preserving human dignity are fundamental priorities in humanitarian work. He stressed the importance of advance planning, training, raising public awareness, and investing in human capacity building to mitigate the impacts of disasters.

For her part, Anne Montavon, Head of the ICRC Regional Delegation, underscored the importance of strengthening communities’ capacity to face disasters, noting that families and local communities constitute the first line of defense in emergencies.

Montavon stated that communities affected by armed conflicts face compounded challenges due to the deterioration of essential services and livelihoods, as well as their diminished capacity to prepare for and recover from climate and environmental shocks. This necessitates investment in risk understanding, the development of early warning systems, and the protection of critical infrastructure and services.

She added that building resilience requires strengthening local capacities and supporting volunteers, who are an integral part of the communities they serve. She praised the partnership with the Kuwait Red Crescent and cooperation with the General Fireforce in enhancing emergency preparedness and response.

For his part, Major General Talal Al-Roumi, Head of the General Fireforce, affirmed that, under the guidance of Kuwait’s political leadership, the country has paid great attention to developing its disaster risk management system, considering it one of the pillars of national security and sustainable development through enhanced proactive planning and coordinated efforts to protect lives and property.

He confirmed Kuwait’s continued cooperation with the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and its commitment to the goals of the Sendai Framework, while working to develop early warning systems, risk assessment tools, and international knowledge exchange, ensuring the continuity of essential services, safeguarding national achievements, and building a more resilient society.