ShareKUWAIT: On the occasion of International Human Rights Day, Kuwait Society for Human Rights (KSHR) and the European Union Delegation in Kuwait, in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), announced on Monday the launch of the “Together 4” project. EU Ambassador to Kuwait Anne Koistinen highlighted the significance of the event, which commemorates International Human Rights Day under the theme “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now”. She noted the timeliness of the initiative, which closely coincides with International Migrants Day on Dec 18.
“Human rights apply to everyone, everywhere, at all times, including during conflicts or crises. The situations we see today in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Ukraine, Sudan and other parts of the world are painful reminders that all human rights are equally important, as enshrined in the UN Charter,” Koistinen stated. She emphasized human rights as a priority in the EU Delegation’s collaboration with Kuwait at both governmental and civil society levels. “Last week, the EU and Kuwait held the fifth round of our annual human rights dialogue, co-chaired by Kuwait’s Assistant Foreign Minister for Human Rights, Sheikha Jawaher Al-Sabah. This dialogue allows us to review human rights developments, exchange perspectives, and build cooperation on mutual priorities such as women’s empowerment,” Koistinen explained.
The EU Delegation also values partnerships with local civil society and supports various initiatives to promote human rights across all sectors of society. Koistinen praised the Kuwait Society for Human Rights. “KSHR exemplifies this collaboration. We have co-funded their ‘Together’ project on migrant workers’ rights across previous phases and look forward to renewing our partnership.” She noted that KSHR received the EU’s 2023 Chaillot Prize for promoting human rights in the GCC region, particularly for its advocacy and awareness efforts concerning migrant workers’ labor rights in Kuwait.
“For the European Union, human rights are at the core of our founding treaties. These foundational values guide both our internal policies and international actions,” Koistinen added. She underscored the EU’s commitment to building partnerships with countries like Kuwait to uphold the UN Charter and a rules-based international order.
Ahmed Al-Saleh, a board member of KSHR, described the “Together” project as a collaborative initiative to protect human rights in Kuwait. He highlighted that Kuwait’s constitution, laws and regulations guarantee these rights. “This phase of the ‘Together’ project marks its fourth iteration, building on KSHR’s efforts since 2016. The project focuses on protecting, educating and raising awareness among contracted workers in Kuwait about their rights and responsibilities. It also advocates for labor issues, provides psychological, social and legal support, and monitors labor conditions through periodic reports on governmental actions, both positive and negative,” Al-Saleh said.
He emphasized that KSHR has partnered with numerous local and international organizations to implement the project successfully. In its fourth phase, following an agreement with the Public Authority of Manpower, the project aims to transform into a national initiative. “This phase seeks to enhance Kuwait’s ranking in international human rights and anti-trafficking reports. It aligns with key recommendations from the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the Committee on Human Rights,” Al-Saleh stated. “Today, we renew our collaboration with the EU Delegation, continuing our mission to protect and raise awareness among migrant workers in Kuwait about their rights and responsibilities,” he concluded.
