GENEVA: Kuwait reiterated its unwavering stance on key humanitarian issues during the 58th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), which concluded on April 4, placing strong emphasis on the Palestinian cause, as well as the crises in Syria, Sudan, and Myanmar. In official statements delivered by Kuwait’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations and international organizations in Geneva, Ambassador Nasser Al-Hayen, the delegation underscored the country’s dedication to upholding international law, promoting justice and dignity in conflict zones, and ensuring accountability for violators, particularly occupying powers.

Ambassador Al-Hayen renewed Kuwait’s firm support for the Palestinian people and called on the international community to shoulder its legal and moral responsibilities, urging an immediate ceasefire and the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid. He condemned the ongoing violations by the Zionist occupation in the occupied Palestinian territories, notably in Gaza and the West Bank, citing settlement expansion, forced displacement, and restrictions on aid access.

Kuwait backed several draft resolutions during the session, including those submitted by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on the Palestinian issue. It also denounced continued Zionist settlement activity in the occupied Palestinian territories and the occupied Syrian Golan Heights. The delegation further supported a resolution addressing the devastating impact of anti-personnel mines.

Recalling Kuwait’s own experience during the Iraqi invasion, Al-Hayen emphasized the long-lasting human, economic, and environmental toll these weapons continue to inflict. He reiterated Kuwait’s commitment to the Ottawa Convention (Mine Ban Treaty) and called on states yet to join the agreement to support international demining efforts in alignment with sustainable development goals.

On Syria, Kuwait renewed its call for preserving the country’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, while urging the lifting of sanctions that continue to impact the livelihoods of the Syrian people. The delegation also expressed deep concern over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Sudan, urging support for the Sudanese people, a ceasefire, and the pursuit of a comprehensive political resolution in accordance with the Jeddah Declaration. Turning to Myanmar, Kuwait condemned ongoing human rights violations against the Rohingya minority and stressed the importance of ensuring their safe and dignified return, as well as holding those responsible for abuses accountable.

In addition, Kuwait voiced full support for the renewal of the mandate of the UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food. The delegation highlighted the growing importance of food security amid rising global hunger, particularly in Gaza, where restrictions on humanitarian aid have led to severe food shortages. Kuwait emphasized that using food as a weapon in conflict constitutes a grave violation of human rights.

As part of its broader engagement, Kuwait led the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) delegation in negotiations on a draft resolution affirming the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment. The bloc contributed to refining the resolution to ensure a more balanced and effective outcome. The 58th session concluded with the adoption of 32 resolutions and the extension of mandates for 16 special rapporteurs, including those covering the right to food and human rights in the context of counterterrorism efforts.

According to diplomatic sources, special rapporteur mandates are generally renewed every three years, with a maximum tenure of six years. Notably, this session was marked by the absence of the United States, which announced its withdrawal from the Council and cessation of funding to the UN and affiliated organizations. Argentina and the Zionist occupation also followed suit. The next session of the Human Rights Council is scheduled to take place from June 16 to July 11. — KUNA