Kuwait - On Sunday (12/2), IOM launched the documentary In Their Own Words and Voices in Kuwait. The film showcases the agency’s humanitarian efforts in several war and crisis-ridden countries in the Middle East, as well as the positive impact the support of the Government of Kuwait has had on IOM operations and affected populations.

The launch was held under the auspices of H.E. Sheikh Sabah Khalid al-Hamad al-Sabah, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, at the National Library of Kuwait. It opened with keynote speeches by IOM Director General William Lacy Swing and the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Ambassador Swing thanked the Amir of Kuwait, His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, noting: “The generous assistance of His Highness has contributed to giving hope to those who feel hopeless about life amid displacement and wars.”

Ambassador Swing also credited His Highness as the innovator behind a new term – Humanitarian Diplomacy – that reflects the leading role of Kuwait during this period of unprecedented conflict and suffering that is affecting of hundreds of thousands of people in the Arab region.

The screening of the hour-long documentary was followed with testimony from refugees, internally displaced persons and migrants living in Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, and Turkey.

The documentary was filmed over a period of six months under the direction of IOM, and is an expression of appreciation for the humanitarian leadership shown by the Government of Kuwait in the region, and for their invaluable contribution towards IOM’s work.

For further information, please contact Mohamed El Zarkani at IOM Kuwait, Tel: +965 99394157, Email: melzarkani@iom.int