KUWAIT: The Permanent National Committee for Preparing Reports and Following Up on Recommendations on Human Rights held its first meeting for the year 2025, chaired by Assistant Foreign Minister for Human Rights Affairs Ambassador Sheikha Jawaher Ibrahim Duaij Al-Sabah, at the Foreign Ministry headquarters to follow up on the implementation of its international obligations and enhance its approach in this regard.

The committee reviewed the most prominent work achieved during the past year, which reflected Kuwait’s fulfillment of its international commitments, especially within the framework of its membership in the Human Rights Council, which is entering its second year. This included discussions on the sixth periodic national report on the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW).

The meeting also addressed the fourth periodic report on the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT) and the submission of the fourth national report on the progress made regarding the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action after 30 years (Beijing+30). The third comprehensive report was submitted to monitor progress made in implementing the regional strategy for the protection of Arab women (Women, Peace and Security and Security Council Resolution 1325), as well as the report responding to the questions of the US Congress on the human rights situation in Kuwait.

Additionally, preparations were made for the fourth periodic national report in the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism and the second periodic national report for the Arab Charter on Human Rights , along with working on preparing the US State Department report on combating human trafficking. The Committee also discussed its work program for 2025, including preparations to submit and discuss its report for the fourth Universal Periodic Review, which highlights its efforts to promote and protect human rights in line with the vision of ‘New Kuwait 2035.’

It also enhances its role in supporting human rights. In the context of strengthening cooperation with civil society institutions, the Committee held a meeting with representatives of human rights actors, recognizing the importance of the partnership between the government and civil society in implementing international commitments, particularly those related to protecting the rights of women, children, and persons with disabilities.

The meeting discussed proposals for training workshops and events to be organized during the current year within the framework of Kuwait’s commitment to developing national capacities and supporting its efforts in the field of human rights. In her speech during the meeting, Sheikha Jawaher stressed that this meeting represents a fundamental step in enhancing cooperation between the government and civil society, emphasizing Kuwait’s keenness to fulfill its international obligations and promote human rights at all levels. She explained that this meeting is a continuation of a series of meetings held by the committee during 2024, confirming its approach based on cooperation and partnership with various stakeholders.

Representatives of civil society institutions expressed their appreciation for the efforts of the National Committee to prepare reports and follow up on recommendations related to human rights by involving them and emphasizing the importance of integration between the efforts of the government and civil society to achieve tangible progress in the field of human rights. They stressed that this cooperation reflects Kuwait’s commitment to enhancing transparency and community participation. - KUNA