The latest round of payments brings the total amount of compensation disbursed by the UN Compensation Commission (UNCC) to individuals, corporations, governments and international organizations to nearly $29.5 billion, according to a press release issued today.

The vast majority of funds for compensation payments have come from the sale of Iraqi petroleum under the so-called Oil-for-Food programme, which came to an end in 2003, and later within the scope of arrangements made under Security Council resolutions.

Established in 1991 as a subsidiary organ of the Security Council, UNCC has received nearly three million claims in six different categories: four categories are for individuals' claims, one for corporations and one for governments and international organizations, which also includes claims for environmental damage.

The decision to make the additional funds available to the Kuwaiti Government for distribution to the claimants was made at the latest session of the Geneva-based UNCC's Governing Council.

In addition to the decisions on damage claims, the Governing Council also reviewed progress on a $4.3 billion worth of environmental projects undertaken by Iran, Jordan, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.

The next session will be held on 9 November.