Top 10 Highlights in Kuwait's UN Human Rights Review

The State of Kuwait presented its Fourth National Report within the framework of the Universal Periodic Review before the UN Human Rights Council during the 49th session of the Working Group in Geneva. The report, whose presentation was headed by the Minister of Justice, Counselor Nasser Al-Smeit, reviewed Kuwait's efforts and developments in the field of human rights, highlighting the legal, legislative, and service measures taken during the past period. The following are the key points extracted from this report:

1.      Comprehensive Institutional National Report: The report was prepared by representatives of relevant ministries and national bodies, in coordination with Kuwait's Permanent Mission in Geneva, to reflect a comprehensive picture of Kuwaiti efforts in the human rights file.

2.     Accession to 7 Key International Conventions: Kuwait affirmed its international commitment by acceding to seven fundamental conventions in the field of human rights and a number of conventions in international humanitarian law.

3.     Transparent Dialogue with the International Community: The Kuwaiti delegation held a public and transparent discussion on the measures taken by Kuwait to fulfill its contractual and voluntary obligations in the human rights file.

4.    Addressing the Issue of Those Whose Nationality Was Withdrawn: The report reviewed the benefits and services provided to individuals whose nationality was withdrawn due to obtaining it unlawfully, including free education and treatment.

5.     "Kuwaiti Treatment" Card for Article Eight Women: Civil IDs with the phrase "Kuwaiti Treatment" were issued to these women, granting them many benefits such as education, treatment, and employment at the same previous salary.

6.    Humane Treatment for Other Groups: Those whose nationality has been withdrawn receive special cards that allow them to enjoy free education and treatment services, affirming Kuwait's commitment to the humanitarian aspect.

7.     "My Identity for All" Program: A prominent program activated to facilitate access to services for relevant groups, with a focus on people with disabilities and the continuity of ownership and company ownership.

8.    Emphasis on the Absence of "Stateless Persons": The Kuwaiti delegation stressed that the term "stateless persons" does not apply to the legal status of illegal residents, according to the decree establishing the Central Agency in 2010.

9.    New Draft Law to Address the Situation of Illegal Residents: The final touches are currently being put on a comprehensive draft law addressing the situation of this group, and its issuance is expected soon.

10.                        Kuwait's Commitment to International Covenants of an Economic and Social Nature: The delegation clarified that the Central Agency continues to provide social and health services in accordance with the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

Through this national review, Kuwait embodied its approach in combining commitment to international human rights standards with the specificity of the local legal situation, through a careful balance between respecting human rights and ensuring the state's legal sovereignty. The Kuwaiti delegation presented a model of transparency and openness in dealing with human rights challenges while emphasizing the trend towards further reforms and legal regulations soon.