KUWAIT: The National Standing Committee for the Preparation of Reports and Follow-up on Recommendations Related to Human Rights convened its first meeting on Wednesday at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The session was chaired by Assistant Foreign Minister for Human Rights Affairs Ambassador Sheikha Jawaher Ibrahim Duaij Al-Sabah. The meeting focused on coordinating efforts ahead of Kuwait’s upcoming participation in the fourth cycle of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) by the United Nations Human Rights Council, scheduled for May 2024. The UPR is a key mechanism through which the human rights records of UN Member States are reviewed and assessed.

In her address, Sheikha Jawaher underscored the critical importance of this national dialogue and called for the collective efforts of all relevant stakeholders to highlight the tangible progress achieved by Kuwait across various human rights domains. She emphasized the need for a unified and well-documented national response that reflects the country’s ongoing commitment to international human rights standards. Committee members reviewed the meeting agenda in detail and discussed mechanisms for developing comprehensive, fact-based responses to any recommendations expected during the upcoming session.

The committee also stressed the importance of thorough preparation for the dialogue, which will serve as a platform to showcase Kuwait’s achievements in promoting and protecting human rights, as well as fulfilling its voluntary commitments to the international community. Concluding the session, the committee announced a detailed action plan, including a series of scheduled meetings aimed at ensuring full readiness ahead of the review in May. — KUNA