Kuwait: Women and children bear the greatest burden of conflicts

Kuwait emphasized on Thursday the need to keep the protection of women and children at the core of the international community’s priorities, particularly in light of the alarming rise in conflicts and their catastrophic humanitarian consequences.

This statement was made in a speech delivered by Nassar Al-Ramzi, Counselor and Deputy Permanent Representative of Kuwait to the United Nations in Geneva, during the discussion of the report by Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, on the implementation of UN Human Rights Council resolution 19/60 concerning the promotion and protection of the human rights of women and children in conflict and post-conflict situations.

Al-Ramzi stated that women and children bear the heaviest burden of conflicts, pointing to the severe humanitarian repercussions witnessed in conflict zones, including the Gaza Strip, characterized by killing, displacement, and the deprivation of civilians of their most basic rights to food, healthcare, and education. He stressed the necessity of full respect for international humanitarian law and international human rights law, and ensuring the protection of civilians, calling for an end to all violations committed against women and children, as well as ensuring unimpeded access for humanitarian aid.

Al-Ramzi also underscored the need to combat impunity and hold those responsible for violations accountable, thereby safeguarding the rights of victims and reinforcing respect for international law.

In a related context, Al-Ramzi noted that some terms used in the submitted report lack international consensus, unlike resolution 19/60, which was adopted by consensus. He expressed Kuwait’s hope that future reports will be based on internationally agreed-upon terminology, ensuring consistency with relevant international resolutions.