Kuwait emphasized the critical importance of addressing the underlying causes behind missing persons cases resulting from armed conflicts, asserting that comprehensive dialogue remains the cornerstone for bridging divides and achieving conflict resolution. This came during a side event titled "Enhancing Tools to Protect Missing Persons, Ensure Dignified Treatment, and Facilitate the Return of Human Remains in Armed Conflicts" hosted at Kuwait's UN Mission headquarters on Thursday evening.

Key Highlights from Kuwait's Statement:

1. Rising Humanitarian Crisis:

   • Deputy Permanent Representative Faisal Al-Enezi cited ICRC reports showing 2024 recorded the highest annual increase in missing persons in at least two decades.

   • Described missing persons as a "recurring yet preventable phenomenon" requiring urgent action.

2. Kuwait’s Leadership on UNSC Resolution 2474 (2019):

   • First-ever Security Council resolution on missing persons in armed conflicts, spearheaded by Kuwait.

   • Emphasizes a holistic approach:
     ✓ Prevention through conflict de-escalation
     ✓ Tracing and identification of the missing
     ✓ Return of remains to families
     ✓ Justice and accountability to ensure reconciliation

3. Call for Global Cooperation:

   • Urged conflict parties to register detainees and allow family communication.

   • Stressed international obligation to protect civilians, stating:
     "The root causes of wars may vary, but safeguarding the missing is a universal duty we must all uphold."

4. Event Objectives:

   • Co-organized with ICRC, OCHA, and the Global Alliance for the Missing.

   • Aimed to strengthen tools for protecting the missing, including implementation of Resolution 2474.

   • Fostered dialogue among states, UN agencies, and civil society on prevention strategies and coordination.