Al-Kandari: Kuwait reinforces human rights and safeguards human dignity
Dr. Jassem Al-Kandari, Director General of the General Administration of Social Welfare at the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour, affirmed Kuwait’s commitment to entrenching the values of respecting human rights and safeguarding human dignity, as well as providing various forms of care, protection, and support throughout all stages of life, based on its firm belief in the value of the human being and his rights.
This statement was made during a speech delivered at the Elderly Care Department under the General Administration of Social Welfare, on the occasion of the International Nelson Mandela Day, in the presence of a select group of ambassadors and diplomatic corps members.
Al-Kandari stated that the occasion serves as an opportunity to recall the human principles and values embodied by Nelson Mandela, foremost among them tolerance, justice, human dignity, peace, and service to humanity, emphasizing the importance of continuing efforts to entrench these values and strengthen their presence in societies.
He stressed that Kuwait pays special attention to the elderly, in recognition of their status and the contributions, experience, and efforts they have made in building society, and with a keen desire to ensure they enjoy a dignified and safe life, while maintaining their status, role, and active presence in society.
He clarified that caring for the elderly is not limited to providing services, but rather stems from respecting the human being, appreciating his contributions, safeguarding his dignity, empowering him, and listening to his needs, reflecting society’s responsibility toward those who spent years of their lives serving their families and their country.
He added that caring for this group represents a social and human duty, based on appreciating the experiences, expertise, and contributions they bring, and working to provide a suitable environment that ensures their continued active participation in society.
Al-Kandari said that holding the event in the presence of ambassadors and diplomatic corps members represents an opportunity to embody the values of communication and cooperation among peoples, and to affirm that noble human values are capable of bringing together diverse cultures and societies.
For her part, the Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the Republic of South Africa, Sibongile Ngobeni, emphasized the importance of partnership and cooperation between her country and Kuwait, commending the collaboration of the Ministry of Social Affairs and the Elderly Care Department in organizing the celebration honoring the legacy of the late South African President Nelson Mandela at the Farah Center, a specialized facility for the care and rehabilitation of the elderly.
Ngobeni stated that South Africa and Kuwait share entrenched values, foremost among them respect for human dignity, solidarity, social development, and concern for human well-being, considering that the occasion underscores the importance of partnerships between governments, diplomatic missions, institutions, and societies in addressing social challenges and building more inclusive communities.
She affirmed that the best tribute to Nelson Mandela is not through words and speeches alone, but through action and serving others, noting that making a difference does not always require large resources, but may begin with giving time, empathy, skills, and human presence to those in need of support.
She explained that Mandela dedicated 67 years of his life to public service and the struggle for justice, equality, and human dignity, which is why the “67 Minutes” initiative was launched, encouraging individuals and institutions to dedicate 67 minutes of their time to serving others.
