United Nations unanimously adopts Kuwait's human rights report
GENEVA, May 10: The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) unanimously adopted Kuwait's fourth national report, affirming the country's commitment to enhancing its human rights framework. The report underscores Kuwait's dedication to strengthening its national human rights protection system through comprehensive legislative, institutional, and field reforms.
Minister of Justice Counselor Nasser Al-Sumait led the Kuwaiti delegation during the session held in Geneva, presenting the national report within the framework of the UNHRC's Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism.
Key legislative and institutional reforms
Kuwait highlighted several significant reforms aimed at aligning its legal framework with international human rights standards. These include:
Protection from domestic violence: The enactment of the Law on Protection from Domestic Violence, establishing shelters and hotlines for victims.
Amendments to Penal Code: Redefining the crime of torture in accordance with the Committee against Torture's recommendations.n
Nationality Law Reforms: Amendments to the Nationality Law to align it with civil, economic, and social rights.n
Abolition of Article 153: Supporting gender equality by repealing provisions that previously allowed lenient sentences for honor-based crimes.n
Raising the Minimum Age of Marriage: Increasing the legal age of marriage to 18 years.n
Abolition of Article 182: Removing exemptions from punishment for perpetrators of kidnapping who marry the victim.n
Institutional developments
Kuwait has established several institutions to bolster human rights protections, including:
Domestic Violence Centers: Providing support services to victims.
National Office for Child Protection: Focusing on safeguarding children's rights.n
Women's Affairs and Business Committee: Enhancing the role of women in development.n
Specialized Public Prosecution Offices: Addressing human trafficking and human rights violations.n
Additionally, Kuwait launched child protection centers in July 2024 to address cases of abuse and neglect.
Advancements in gender equality
Kuwaiti women play a pivotal role in the nation's development, representing 58% of the total national workforce. Women's participation in the government sector stands at 60%, with 48% in both the private sector and the legal profession. Notably, women currently hold three ministerial portfolios in the government.
Support for persons with disabilities
Kuwait allocated approximately $340 million for the fiscal year 2023/2024 to support services for persons with disabilities. This funding benefits over 213,000 individuals across 82 educational and rehabilitation institutions, including schools, nurseries, and treatment centers.
Anti-corruption measures
The report highlights Kuwait's efforts to combat corruption through the preparation of new draft laws aimed at expanding the powers of the Anti-Corruption Authority, strengthening the role and independence of the judiciary, and tightening the protection of public funds in accordance with the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime.
Digital transformation and environmental initiatives
Kuwait has embraced digitization with the launch of the "Sahel" app, which has processed over 60 million e-transactions. The country has also adopted national strategies to reduce carbon emissions and protect the environment.
International humanitarian efforts
The report underscores Kuwait's role as a capital of humanitarian action, emphasizing its continued commitment to providing large-scale humanitarian aid through the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development. The country supports relief efforts in conflict and disaster areas, particularly in Gaza, Syria, and Yemen, and has organized and hosted international donor conferences.
Commitment to reform and sustainable development
Under the leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, Kuwait continues its commitment to reform, modernization, and the promotion of rights and freedoms. These developments reflect the State of Kuwait's renewed commitment to advancing the human rights system based on the principles of the Constitution and international conventions aimed at achieving comprehensive and sustainable development.
Engagement with UN Human Rights mechanisms
The report notes that Kuwait received 302 recommendations in the previous UPR cycle, of which 230 were fully accepted, 6 were partially accepted, and 12 were taken into account. The state remains committed to transparency and openness, fully participating in dialogue sessions with relevant international treaty committees. Kuwait has also engaged with mandate holders and special procedures of the Council, responding to requests for field and scientific visits during 2023 and 2024, including mandates in the fields of development, violence against women, and the rights of persons with disabilities and migrants.
The national report, covering the period from 2020 to the end of 2024, was prepared through a comprehensive participatory methodology involving government agencies, civil society, and the National Bureau for Human Rights. The Kuwaiti delegation pledged to study the 290 recommendations submitted by member states of the United Nations Human Rights Council, focusing on strengthening human rights mechanisms
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Kuwait Times
16 hours ago
- Kuwait Times
Kuwait reviews UAE, Saudi models as part of charity sector overhaul
ABU DHABI/RIYADH: A delegation from Kuwait's Committee for Regulating Humanitarian and Charitable Work, led by Acting Undersecretary of the Ministry of Social Affairs Dr Khaled Al-Ajmi, visited the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia this week to learn from their experience in charitable and humanitarian work. The visits are part of a series of several to GCC countries. Chaired by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Saud Al-Sabah, the committee is responsible for reviewing and developing laws related to charitable and humanitarian work, enhancing governance, and regulating licensing and donations to improve the efficiency and mechanisms of charitable efforts in line with international best practices. Sector overhaul The visits come after Kuwait halted all charitable fundraising pending the rollout of stricter procedures to curb unauthorized donation campaigns. Licensed charities face penalties — from account suspension to full operational shutdown — if they violate the suspension. These measures build on early-2025 reforms, namely the introduction of a centralized aid-coordination platform, and on the dissolution of over 30 charities since November 2024. They also support Kuwait's push to strengthen financial controls and align with FATF anti-money-laundering standards, safeguarding donor funds and preserving Kuwait's global humanitarian standing. Adapting successful practices In Riyadh, the Kuwaiti delegation examined Saudi Arabia's systems for humanitarian work, including integrated governance and oversight frameworks, transparency protocols and international trust-building measures. The delegation also held high-level meetings with Saudi officials to explore opportunities for cooperation, particularly in humanitarian and charitable fields and non-profit sector development. In Abu Dhabi, Dr Al-Ajmi emphasized Kuwait's intent to benefit from successful experiences and adapt inspiring practices to suit Kuwait's local context, with the goal of enhancing its humanitarian work system and improving governance efficiency. Documenting transfers As part of the committee's commitment to developing Kuwait's charitable work system, the delegation visited several public and private institutions in the UAE, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to understand financial governance mechanisms for charitable transfers. They also toured the Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation for Humanitarian Impact and the Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation for Humanitarian Activities. 'What the committee delegation witnessed during the visit reflects the UAE's commitment to a modern, holistic approach to charitable and humanitarian work,' where digital solutions are integrated with humanitarian values, and institutions are managed under precise governance systems that ensure the sustainability and integrity of resources and a measurable impact on beneficiaries locally and globally, said Dr Al-Ajmi. The delegation also reviewed several operational practices from UAE institutions, including digital systems for tracking and documenting financial transfers, distributing aid, and measuring the impact of initiatives. — Agencies
Arab Times
19 hours ago
- Arab Times
New bilateral pacts fortify Kuwait-Japan partnership
KUWAIT'S CROWN PRINCE MEETS JAPANESE EMPEROR NARUHITO, PM TOKYO, May 29: His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah met in Tokyo, Thursday morning, with Japanese Emperor Naruhito. His Highness the Crown Prince conveyed greetings and best wishes of welfare from His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to Emperor Naruhito and the Japanese people. The meeting focused on the close historic relations between the two countries in the past six decades, which saw great leaps in various fields, reflecting the aspirations of people in both countries. Later, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al- Hamad Al-Sabah held an official round of talks Thursday with Japanese Prime Minister, Shigeru Ishiba, in Tokyo. The talks were preceded by an official reception ceremony for His Highness the Crown Prince by the Japanese Prime Minister, which included a military parade and the playing of the national anthems of the countries. During the reception, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, expressed his sincere thanks and appreciation for the warm welcome and generous hospitality and conveyed the best greetings of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, to Japan and its friendly people. His Highness affirmed Kuwait's desire to enhance the bilateral ties between the two countries to reach the level of a strategic partnership. Further, His Highness lauded Japan's supportive stance for Kuwaiti rights during the brutal Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in 1990, recalling the historical relations that have bound the two friendly countries since 1958. In turn, the Japanese Premier welcomed the official visit of His Highness the Crown Prince, praising the depth of the historical relations that bind the two friendly countries and peoples. The latest regional and global developments were touched on during the talks. The talks were attended by the official delegation accompanying His Highness the Crown Prince. A signing ceremony was held during the visit, where Kuwait and Japan formalised several agreements and Memoranda of Cooperation (MoCs), overseen by His Highness the Kuwaiti Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. The ceremony reflected the two countries' keenness to strengthen and develop the existing bilateral cooperation between them in various vital fields. Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah Al-Yahya and members of the official delegation attended the event. The State of Kuwait and Japan agreed to upgrade their bilateral relations to a 'comprehensive strategic partnership,' which reflects the depth of the relationship and opens new horizons for cooperation. The agreement is a fruit of the official visit by His Highness the Crown Prince of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah to Japan on May 28-31, a press release from the Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Thursday. His Highness the Crown Prince has held talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on ways to strengthen the relations in various vital areas and serve the mutual interests of both nations amid regional and international changes. They agreed that upgrading the bilateral relations in the political, economic and humanitarian fields materialises both nations' shared commitment to enhancing security, stability and prosperity on regional and international scales, the statement noted. To conclude the day's engagements, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba held a banquet in honour of His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and his accompanying delegation, in Tokyo. Kuwait and Japan are tied with historical bonds that started with the economic field in the fifties when the late Amir Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al- Sabah agreed in 1958 to grant Japan's Arabian Oil Company Ltd the concession to explore oil at the Submerged Area or the Neutral Zone. Three years later, Japan was in the forefront of those countries that had recognized Kuwait's independence through a cabinet decree on December 8, 1961, in spite of Iraqi economic sanctions on Japanese exports. The Japanese move was based on balanced interests with Kuwait, particularly after Japan had obtained the concession to use Kuwait's oil share in the divided zone with Saudi Arabia. The concession came to an end in September 2001 under a memo of understanding. The Kuwait Gulf Oil Company then started operating in the joint offshore oil fields. Bilateral diplomatic ties were forged in February 1962, when the first Kuwaiti Ambassador to Japan, Sulaiman Mohammad Al-Sanea, arrived in Tokyo, and the Japanese embassy was inaugurated in Kuwait in March, 1963. Japanese commercial missions had been present in Kuwaiti markets since 1961 to study markets of Gulf States. Afterwards, both sides commenced cooperative relations in several areas, including cooperation between Kuwait Gulf oil Company and Arabian Oil Company by signing agreements for providing Japan with part of the production of the divided area and helping Kuwaiti companies make use of the Arabian Oil Company's expertise and a Japanese financing agreement. Based on this cooperation, the Arabian Oil Company Ltd had helped in establishing Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) in 1967. In the following decades, relations between the two countries were based on mutual benefit, especially in commercial aspects, where Kuwait was one of the main sources of crude oil and its derivatives for Japan, while Kuwaiti markets saw an abundance of Japanese products. Japan's position on the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in 1990 was so supportive that it stood by Kuwaiti rights and supported international conventions condemning occupation, calling for return of sovereignty. Japan also contributed USD 13 billion for the liberation of Kuwait. In January 1995, the then Heir to the Emperor's Throne, Naruhito, and Princess Masako, visited Kuwait, where the late Amir Sheikh Jaber Al- Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah granted him the Order of Mubarak Al-Kabeer in appreciation of Japan's support for Kuwait during the Iraqi invasion. In return, Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah paid an official visit to Tokyo in October of the same year in order to voice gratitude to Japan for having supported Kuwait during the liberation from the Iraqi invasion. In March 2012, the late Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- Sabah visited Japan, where he had met with Emperor Akihito, Crown Prince Naruhito and Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda on ways of promoting relations between both countries in a bid to serve their mutual interest. In August 2013, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe visited Kuwait in order to bolster his country's partnership with Kuwait, mainly in economic and scientific matters and promote bilateral dialogue to ensure joint stability and prosperity. On December 23, 2024, Kuwait and Japan held the fourth round of political consultations, with both sides having voiced a willingness to further expand their economic partnership covering food security, cybersecurity, renewable energy, oil and petrochemicals. The Kuwaiti-Japanese businessmen's committee, formed in 1995, held its first meeting in Kuwait in November of the same year. In 2011, Kuwait granted Japan five million barrels of crude oil worth roughly USD 500 million, in addition to USD five million in the aftermath of a powerful earthquake that hit its eastern coasts. (KUNA)
Arab Times
a day ago
- Arab Times
Kuwait Offers Travel Window, New ID Cards for Women Affected by Citizenship Revocation
KUWAIT CITY, May 29: Regulating the procedures for amending the status of women whose nationalities have been revoked, under Article 8 of the Kuwaiti Nationality Law. The Ministry of Interior stated "Based on the concerned authorities' keenness to facilitate procedures and ensure continued benefit from all the benefits granted under the Kuwaiti Nationality Law, we would like to inform you that travel with previous Kuwaiti passports will be permitted during the period from June 1, 2025, to September 30, 2025, to assist in amending their status. Those concerned must also fully adhere to the instructions and procedures explained below." 1- The concerned party shall amend her legal status by coordinating with her embassy to receive the original passport of the previous nationality she held before obtaining Kuwaiti nationality, under Article 8, or any official passport through which legal residency is granted in the country 2- Adherence to the one-year grace period for amending status, starting from June 1, 2025, to ensure continued access to the prescribed benefits. Note that after the grace period expires, benefits will not be disbursed to those who have not amended their legal status in the country within that period. They must take all necessary measures by visiting the embassy to obtain a passport. The applicant must begin the process within the first three months from the start of that grace period and must provide proof of this. If it is determined that they are not serious about taking action to amend their status within the first three months, their benefits will be canceled. 3- Amending their status does not prevent them from submitting a grievance to the Grievance Committee for Withdrawal, Forfeiture, and Loss of Kuwaiti Citizenship, established by Cabinet Resolution No. 207 of 2025 and its amendments by Resolution No. 493 of 2025. The Ministry of Interior confirms that a new civil ID card will be issued after completing the status amendment, including the phrase "Treatment as a Kuwaiti Individual" under the prescribed regulations, with a reference to the applicant's nationality. These procedures aim to streamline legal status in an easy and organized manner, while preserving their prescribed benefits
