Kuwait: Protection of civilians and civilian objects is a legal and ethical obligation that is not subject to selectivity or discrimination

Our Permanent Representative to the United Nations and other international organizations, Ambassador Nasser Al-Hin, condemned the continued systematic Iranian aggression that endangers the lives and fundamental rights of civilians. He emphasized that the protection of civilians and civilian objects constitutes a legal and moral obligation that is not subject to selectivity, double standards, or discrimination.

This statement was made during the discussion of Kuwait’s comprehensive report on the implementation of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination before the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, held in Geneva.

Ambassador Al-Hin, who chaired the Kuwaiti delegation before the Committee, noted that Kuwait’s participation in the dialogue stems from its voluntary commitments as a member of the Human Rights Council for the period 2024–2026. He pointed out that the dialogue takes place at a time when the world is witnessing a disturbing decline in the enforcement of fundamental rights and a surge in hate speech and racist practices that have even affected global sporting events.

The Ambassador further highlighted that the dialogue holds special significance given the exceptional security conditions facing Kuwait, which has been subjected since February 28 to an unjust Iranian aggression. The repercussions of this aggression have included repeated and deliberate targeting of civilian objects and critical infrastructure, such as Kuwait International Airport, power stations, desalination plants, and other vital civilian facilities upon which residents depend for their daily lives.

He clarified that these attacks damaged power generation units, threatened the regular supply of electricity and water, disrupted air transport, resulted in martyrs and injuries, and revealed a systematic aggressive approach that endangers civilian lives and fundamental rights. At the same time, Ambassador Al-Hin affirmed that state institutions continue to operate efficiently and activate emergency plans to ensure the uninterrupted provision of basic services to citizens and residents without discrimination.

In the same context, the Ambassador explained that Kuwait’s approach to combating discrimination is grounded in a solid constitutional foundation, which establishes justice, freedom, and equality as pillars of society. It affirms that all people are equal in human dignity and before the law, without discrimination based on sex, origin, language, or religion. It also guarantees freedom of belief and the practice of religious rites, as well as the right to legal recourse for all.

He added that the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination has become part of the national legal system under Article 70 of the Constitution. He noted that this approach aligns with “Kuwait 2035” vision, which places enhancing Kuwait’s international standing as a cornerstone of national development, linking its developmental path to its international commitments, foremost among which is the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Ambassador Al-Hin clarified that Law-Decree No. 75 of 2026 reorganized the National Human Rights Council under the name of the National Human Rights Authority and strengthened its independence. Currently, its affairs are managed by a three-member committee until a new board of directors is formed. Additionally, a Human Rights Department has been established within the Ministry of Interior, and a Directorate for International Cooperation and Human Rights has been created.

He further stated that the Permanent National Committee for Preparing Reports and Monitoring the Implementation of Human Rights Recommendations, chaired by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, coordinates reports and follows up on recommendations. It holds periodic consultations with civil society institutions, academic bodies, and the National Human Rights Authority, while enhancing training for judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement personnel on human rights principles.

The Ambassador explained that in June 2026, Kuwait launched the third phase of its comprehensive national plan to update the legislative system, following the completion of the previous phase ahead of schedule. This process yielded reforms that strengthened the protection of women and the family, regulated the establishment of places of worship and the practice of freedom of belief, and supported justice in labor relations.

He emphasized that Law-Decree No. 19 of 2012 on the Protection of National Unity remains one of the legislations most closely aligned with the Convention, as it criminalizes hate speech and incitement based on sect, tribe, or race, including through electronic media.

He outlined that the national policy regarding contracted labor is based on Article 22 of the Constitution, which links the regulation of the relationship between workers and employers to social justice. He clarified that Law No. 114 of 2024 concerning the Residence of Foreigners regulated the labor and residence sectors and enhanced the fight against the trafficking of residence permits, in coordination with the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Law and the National Strategy for the period 2025–2028.

He added that domestic workers are subject to a legal and supervisory framework that includes receiving complaints, investigating violations, imposing penalties, and referring cases to the judiciary, alongside the existence of integrated shelter centers providing legal, psychological, and health care.

Ambassador Al-Hin noted that regulations governing health insurance for residents aim to govern services and enhance the efficiency of the health system, while adhering to the constitutional commitment to guarantee the right to health and provide basic care and emergency services to all residents without discrimination.

He affirmed that the state pays special attention to empowering women, youth, and persons with disabilities, and protecting children. He stressed that women constitute more than 58% of the workforce in the public sector and hold approximately 28% of senior leadership positions.