Chairman of the Islamic International Charity Organization Abdullah Al-Maatouq speaks during the NGOs Conference to Support the Humanitarian Situation in Iraq.

Conference manifests Kuwait’s belief in humanitarian action: IICO chief

Kuwait drumming up efforts to help heal Iraq’s wounds

KUWAIT: A total of $330.130 million is the total amount of pledges announced at Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) Conference to Support the Humanitarian Situation in Iraq, which concluded yesterday. The conference convened at the attendance of Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah.

Holding the conference manifests Kuwait’s belief in humanitarian action, said Abdullah Al-Maatouq, chairman of the Islamic International Charity Organization (IICO). His remark came during a speech at the opening of the conference yesterday, noting that by holding such gathering, Kuwait is drumming up efforts in order to help “heal Iraq’s wounds” as Kuwait is “following a steady and methodical approach” to preserve international peace and security while easing plight of the suffering.” Three years passed with more than five million displaced Iraqis live harsh and almost inhumane conditions, he noted, adding “but with $200 million in aid from Kuwait, a new window of hope was open.”

The conference kicked off yesterday to tackle latest developments in the humanitarian situation. It coincides with Kuwait’s hosting of the International Conference for the Reconstruction of Iraq. The conference is being held under the patronage of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and the Kuwaiti government. – KUNA

List of pledging NGOs

The pledges made during the Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) Conference to Support the Humanitarian Situation in Iraq came out as follows:

Kuwait:

Zakat House and the Awqaf General Secretariat ($35 million)

Salam Charity Society ($15 million)

Islamic International Charity Organization ($10 million)

Kuwaiti Aid Society ($10 million)

Najat Charity ($10 million)

Direct Aid Society ($10 million)

Al Eslah Society ($10 million)

Society of the Revival of Islamic Heritage ($10 million)

Abdullah Al-Nouri Society ($5 million)

Patients Helping Fund Society ($5 million)

Red Crescent Society ($2.5 million)

International:

International Committee of the Red Cross ($130 million in programs)

Human Appeal of the UK ($30 million)

Qatari Education Above All Foundation ($13.5 million)

Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency ($10 million)

United Iraqi Medical Society ($5.1 million)

Qatar Charity ($5 million)

French ($4 million)

Islamic Relief of the UK ($4 million)

Muslim World League ($2.7 million)

In addition to $4 million from a French Muslim society and another $4 million from an Iraqi organization.