Ambassador Al-Bunay: Kuwait's Re-election to the Human Rights Council a Diplomatic Achievement and Recognition of Our Foreign Policy
Ambassador Al-Bunay congratulates the leadership and people on the diplomatic achievement and strengthens Kuwait's role in human rights.
Translated by Qiyas from السياسة — Original source
- We look forward to membership being an active addition to the Council’s work and to international confidence being translated into diligent efforts and tangible contributions.
The Permanent Representative of the State of Kuwait to the United Nations, Ambassador Tariq Al-Banna, stated that Kuwait’s re-election to the Human Rights Council for the term (2027–2029) represents a diplomatic achievement and a renewal of international confidence in the country, reflecting appreciation for its foreign policy approach based on moderation, balance, dialogue, respect for international law, and adherence to the principles of the UN Charter.
This came in a statement Ambassador Al-Banna gave to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) on Tuesday evening, following Kuwait’s re-election to the UN Human Rights Council with 173 votes, securing 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, for this diplomatic achievement that embodies Kuwait’s prominent standing in the international community and the trust, respect, and esteem it enjoys.
He said this achievement was realized by the grace and favor of God Almighty, and then thanks to the high directives and continuous support from the political leadership. He noted that it enables Kuwait to build on its previous experience in the Council and continue its role in supporting multilateral work, enhancing international cooperation, and serving humanitarian causes.
He added that Kuwait views this international confidence as a responsibility and a trust before it is an achievement, especially since its membership comes at a delicate stage in which 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, thereby contributing to strengthening international cooperation and achieving tangible progress in protecting human rights and safeguarding human dignity.
He continued that Kuwait will maintain its approach of 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 enhancing the protection of civilians in armed conflicts and ensuring that humanitarian aid reaches its rightful beneficiaries.
The Ambassador 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 in rejecting the violations they face.
He also emphasized the necessity of respecting international law and international humanitarian law, and ensuring accountability for serious human rights violations.
In this context, he pointed out that the credibility of the Human Rights Council is measured by its ability to discharge 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.
He added that protecting human rights, safeguarding international peace and security, and achieving sustainable development are interrelated and integrated goals, considering that international cooperation, respect for state sovereignty, and fulfillment of international commitments are fundamental pillars for achieving them.
In this context, Ambassador Al-Banna clarified that Kuwait’s re-election was the result of comprehensive national and diplomatic efforts, in which the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Kuwait’s diplomatic missions contributed through active engagement with member states and by highlighting the country’s priorities and commitments, thereby helping to mobilize 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 Asia-Pacific Group for supporting its candidacy.
Ambassador Al-Banna also expressed his hope that Kuwait’s membership for the period 2027–2029 would constitute a valuable and effective addition to the work of the Human Rights Council, and that the broad international confidence would be translated into diligent work and tangible contributions that enhance the Council’s capacity to fulfill its mandate, entrench the values of justice and human dignity, and safeguard human rights and fundamental freedoms for all without discrimination.
