Ambassador Al-Bunai: Kuwait's re-election to the Human Rights Council is a diplomatic achievement and appreciation of our foreign policy
Ambassador Al-Bunai congratulates the leadership and people on the diplomatic achievement after Kuwait received 173 votes.
Translated by Qiyas from الراي — Original source
This statement was made by Ambassador Al-Banna in an interview with the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) on Tuesday evening, following Kuwait’s re-election to the United Nations Human Rights Council, having secured 173 votes and achieving the second-highest vote tally among elected countries.
Ambassador Al-Banna extended his highest congratulations and best wishes to His Highness the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, to His Highness the Crown Prince, Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, and to the Kuwaiti government and people, regarding this diplomatic achievement that reflects Kuwait’s prominent standing in the international community, as well as the trust, respect, and esteem it enjoys.
He stated that this achievement was made possible by the grace and guidance of God Almighty, followed by the high directives and continuous support from the political leadership. He noted that this re-election allows Kuwait to build on its previous experience in the Council and continue its role in supporting multilateralism, enhancing international cooperation, and serving humanitarian causes.
He added that Kuwait views this international trust as a responsibility and a trust before it is an achievement, especially since its membership comes at a critical stage when the international human rights system faces growing challenges amid escalating armed conflicts and humanitarian crises, accompanied by violations that undermine human dignity and fundamental rights.
Ambassador Al-Banna affirmed that Kuwait will work during its membership to fulfill the commitments it made during its candidacy and to leverage its experience in the Council’s work, contributing to enhanced international cooperation and tangible progress in protecting human rights and preserving human dignity.
He continued that Kuwait will maintain its approach based on dialogue and constructive cooperation with all member states and relevant UN mechanisms, with special attention to the rights of women, children, and persons with disabilities, and support for development efforts and national capacity-building, alongside strengthening the protection of civilians in armed conflicts and ensuring that humanitarian aid reaches its intended beneficiaries.
Ambassador Al-Banna reiterated that the Palestinian issue will remain at the forefront of Kuwait’s concerns, based on its principled and steadfast position in defending the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, foremost among which is their right to self-determination and their rejection of the violations they face.
In this context, he pointed out that the credibility of the Human Rights Council is measured by its ability to fulfill its responsibilities objectively and fairly, free from politicization, selectivity, and double standards, ensuring that human rights violations are addressed according to fair and consistent standards applied to all without exception.
In this regard, Ambassador Al-Banna clarified that Kuwait’s re-election was the result of comprehensive national and diplomatic efforts, involving the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Kuwaiti diplomatic missions through active engagement with member states and highlighting the country’s priorities and commitments, which contributed to mobilizing broad international support for its candidacy.
On this occasion, he expressed his sincere gratitude and appreciation to all countries that placed their trust in Kuwait, as well as to the Asian and Pacific Group for supporting its candidacy.
He also expressed his hope that Kuwait’s membership for the period (2027–2029) will constitute a qualitative and effective addition to the work of the Human Rights Council, and that this broad international trust will be translated into diligent work and tangible contributions that enhance the Council’s ability to fulfill its mandate, entrench the values of justice and human dignity, and safeguard the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all without discrimination.
