The Permanent National Committee for Preparing Reports and Following Up on Recommendations on Human Rights held its first meeting of 2025. It was chaired by Assistant Foreign Minister for Human Rights Affairs, Ambassador Sheikha Jawaher Ibrahim Duaij Al-Sabah, at the Foreign Ministry headquarters. The meeting was convened to review the progress of Kuwait’s international human rights obligations. The goal was to improve its ongoing efforts in this regard.
The committee assessed its work in the previous year. It highlighted Kuwait’s successful fulfillment of its international commitments. This was especially so in the framework of its membership in the Human Rights Council, which is now entering its second year. Among the major accomplishments discussed was the sixth periodic national report on the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW).
Furthermore, the meeting addressed several significant human rights reports. These included the fourth periodic report on the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT). Additionally, the committee reviewed Kuwait’s submission of the fourth national report on the progress of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action after 30 years (Beijing+30). They also reviewed the third comprehensive report monitoring the implementation of the regional strategy for the protection of Arab women. This strategy particularly concerned Women, Peace, and Security, as well as Security Council Resolution 1325. The committee also addressed the report responding to inquiries from the U.S. Congress on the human rights situation in Kuwait.
Looking ahead, the committee prepared for the fourth periodic national report in the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism. They also prepared the second periodic national report for the Arab Charter on Human Rights. Additionally, the committee began preparing the U.S. State Department report on combating human trafficking.
In her remarks, Sheikha Jawaher emphasized the importance of enhancing Kuwait’s role in supporting human rights both locally and internationally. The committee also discussed plans for the year ahead. This included the preparation of its report for the fourth Universal Periodic Review, aligned with the goals of Kuwait’s “New Kuwait 2035” vision.
In an effort to strengthen cooperation with civil society institutions, the committee held a meeting with human rights advocates. They underscored the crucial partnership between the government and civil society in fulfilling international commitments. This collaboration is particularly vital for advancing the rights of women, children, and individuals with disabilities.
The meeting also focused on upcoming initiatives. This included proposals for workshops and events aimed at building national capacities in the human rights sector. Sheikha Jawaher reiterated the importance of this collaboration. She noted that the meeting represents a key step forward in fostering cooperation between governmental and non-governmental organizations. She highlighted Kuwait’s ongoing commitment to meeting its international obligations and promoting human rights at all levels. This ensures an integrated approach to sustainable progress.
Representatives from civil society institutions voiced their appreciation for the committee’s efforts to involve them in the human rights reporting process. They praised the committee’s inclusive approach, which strengthens transparency and community participation. They emphasized the vital role of collaboration in achieving meaningful progress in the protection of human rights in Kuwait.
