Kuwait: Keeping the protection of women and children at the core of the international community's priorities

Kuwait emphasized the necessity of keeping the protection of women and children at the core of the international community’s priorities, particularly in light of the concerning rise in conflicts and their resulting catastrophic humanitarian consequences.

This was stated in a speech delivered by Nasser Al-Ramzi, Counselor and Deputy Permanent Representative of Kuwait to the United Nations in Geneva, on Thursday, during the discussion of the report by Volker Türk, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, on the implementation of United Nations 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 consequences witnessed in conflict zones, including the Gaza Strip, which include killing, displacement, and the deprivation of civilians of their most basic rights to food, healthcare, and education.

He stressed the need for full respect for international humanitarian law and international human rights law, and for ensuring the protection of civilians, calling for an end to all violations committed against women and children and for ensuring unimpeded access for humanitarian aid.

He also affirmed the necessity of combating impunity and holding those responsible for violations accountable, thereby ensuring the protection of victims’ rights and reinforcing respect for international law.

In a related context, Al-Ramzi noted that certain terms 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.