Kuwait Affirms Support for Drafting a Legally Binding International Instrument to Protect the Human Rights of Older Persons

Kuwait has reaffirmed its support for international efforts to develop a legally binding international instrument to enhance and protect the human rights of older persons, thereby addressing existing gaps in the international protection system and establishing a balanced legal framework that ensures their dignity, independence, and full enjoyment of their rights without discrimination.

This was stated in a statement by the State of Kuwait, delivered by Third Secretary Hanan Al-Sultan of the Department of Human Rights Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during the opening of the second session of the Open-Ended Intergovernmental Working Group on the Development of a Legally Binding International Instrument on the Human Rights of Older Persons, held at the United Nations Office in Geneva from October 26 to 30, 2026.

Al-Sultan emphasized the importance of the international instrument being based on a human rights approach and established international standards, and that it include clear legal provisions defining states’ responsibilities to respect, protect, and fulfill the rights of older persons, while taking into account the diversity of national legal systems, the nature of legal obligations, and their feasibility.

She underscored Kuwait’s commitment to incorporating legal safeguards that ensure the protection of older persons from violence, neglect, and exploitation, preserve their independence and legal capacity, and guarantee their rights to health, social protection, access to justice, services, and information, as well as addressing their needs in emergencies, crises, and challenges related to digital transformation.

In her speech, Al-Sultan also outlined Kuwait’s national efforts to develop its legislative and institutional framework concerning the rights of older persons, noting the completion of the National Strategy for Older Persons in collaboration with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), and the development of mechanisms for institutional coordination, monitoring of programs, and services.

In this context, she stressed the importance of leveraging existing national and international mechanisms to implement the instrument and monitor compliance with its provisions, avoiding duplication in follow-up and reporting procedures, while giving due attention to international cooperation, technical assistance, and capacity-building.

Al-Sultan also expressed Kuwait’s hope that negotiations, through constructive dialogue and consensus, will lead to a balanced international legal framework that provides comprehensive protection for the rights of older persons and establishes clear, actionable obligations.