| KUWAIT State of Kuwait Dawlat al Kuwayt Joined United Nations: 14 May 1963 Human Rights as assured by their constitution Click here Updated 09/06/10 |
| CAPITAL |
| POPULATION |
| CHIEF OF STATE |
| SELECTION PROCESS |
Kuwait
2,692,526
note: includes 1,291,354 non-nationals (July 2010 est.)
note: includes 1,291,354 non-nationals (July 2010 est.)
Nasir Muhammad al-Ahmad al-Sabah
Prime Minister since 3 April 2007
Prime Minister since 3 April 2007
The Amir is hereditary; the Amir appoints the crown prince and broke
with tradition of the Al-Sabah family in which the Amir and the Crown
Prince alternates between the Al-Salim and Al-Jabir branches and
instead by nominated his half-brother.
Next scheduled election: None
with tradition of the Al-Sabah family in which the Amir and the Crown
Prince alternates between the Al-Salim and Al-Jabir branches and
instead by nominated his half-brother.
Next scheduled election: None
HEAD OF GOVERNMENT
SELECTION PROCESS
The Amir appoints the prime minister and deputy prime ministers
| DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS |
| ETHNIC GROUPS |
Kuwaiti 45%, other Arab 35%, South Asian 9%, Iranian 4%, other 7%
| RELIGIONS |
Muslim 85% (Sunni 70%, Shi'a 30%), other (includes Christian, Hindu, Parsi) 15%
| GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE |
Constitutional emirate with 6 governorates (muhafazat, singular - muhafazah); Legal system is a civil law system with Islamic law
significant in personal matters; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Executive: The Amir is hereditary; the Amir appoints the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Ministers
Legislative: Unicameral National Assembly or Majlis al-Umma (50 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year
terms; all cabinet ministers are also ex officio voting members of the National Assembly)
elections: last held 16 May 2009 (next election to be held in 2013)
Judicial: High Court of Appeal
significant in personal matters; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Executive: The Amir is hereditary; the Amir appoints the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Ministers
Legislative: Unicameral National Assembly or Majlis al-Umma (50 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year
terms; all cabinet ministers are also ex officio voting members of the National Assembly)
elections: last held 16 May 2009 (next election to be held in 2013)
Judicial: High Court of Appeal
| LANGUAGES |
Arabic (official), English widely spoken
| BRIEF HISTORY |
In 3rd century BC the Ancient Greeks colonized the island Failaka under Alexander the Great and named it "Ikaros". Some believe
the name came from an island off the Greek coast, where it is believed that the mythical Icarus was buried, which resembled
Failaka. Others however believe it was named so due to its heat and the belief that it was close to the sun. For recent archaeological
activities at Failaka visit the website of Kuwaiti-Slovak Archaeological Mission (KSAM). Kuwait was founded in the early
eighteenth century by various clans of the Anaiza, who gradually migrated sometime in the late seventeenth century from Nejd to the
shores of the Persian Gulf. In the course of these migrations, different tribal groups with different skills came together to form a new
tribe, what became collectively known as Bani Utub after the migration. According to one local tradition, the Sabahs migrated south
to flee drought in Najd, but found conditions bleaker. Returning to Najd, they regrouped with other families and migrated to Zubara,
on Qatar's west coast. Finding conditions no better there, they finally migrated north to Kuwait where they found water and
consequently settled. Peace in a region dominated by the Bani Khalid, as well as internal problems that kept other regional powers
from interfering, allowed the Bani Utub to develop new maritime skills. Although the Bani Khalid controlled the harbors and kept
the peace, they were primarily a desert-oriented people and did not trade much by sea. Kuwait had arguably one of the best natural
harbors in the Persian Gulf; its location allowed it to benefit from the caravan trade to Aleppo and Baghdad, Shatt al-Arab trade,
and from smuggling trade into Ottoman territory that high tariffs encouraged. Soon after the colony was founded, a Sabah became
leader, ruling until his death in 1762. One tradition has it that political preeminence went to the Sabahs as part of an explicit
agreement: in 1716 the heads of the al-Khalifa, al-Sabah, and al-Jalahima agreed to give the Sabahs preeminence in government
and military affairs, subject to consultation, while the Khalifas controlled local commerce and the Jalahima maritime affairs. Another
account has it that after reaching Kuwait the Bani Utub held a council and elected a representative to go to Basra to explain their
peaceful intent to the Ottomans. The man chosen was a Sabah, Sabah I bin Jaber. Many theories exist as to the source and origin of
Sabah power. The Sabahs, because of their role in the caravan (as opposed to sea) trade, developed closer ties with the desert,
and as a result became the tax collectors there, an important revenue source. Sabah family rule, though well established, remained
limited until well into the 20th century. This is because the merchants, owing to their financial power, could still check Sabah designs.
Kuwait's first contact with Britain occurred in 1775 when first plague, then the Persians,[citation needed] struck Basra and East
India Company made arrangements to have the Persian Gulf-Aleppo Mail Service diverted through Kuwait. Also during this period,
the British established a base in the region. The British became increasingly interested in Kuwait, and the Middle East in general, as
the Germans made plans to extend their proposed Berlin-Baghdad railway into Kuwait, where they intended to locate a coaling
station. In the 1870s, Ottoman officials were reasserting their presence in the Gulf, with a military intervention in 1871—which was
not effectively pursued—where family rivalries in Kuwait and Qatar were breeding chaos. The Ottomans were bankrupt, and when
the European banks took control of the Ottoman budget in 1881, additional income was required from Kuwait and the Arabian
peninsula. Midhat Pasha, the governor of Iraq, demanded that Kuwait submit to Ottoman rule. The al-Sabah found diplomatic allies
in the British Foreign Office. In May 1896, Shaikh Muhammad Al-Sabah was assassinated by his half-brother, Mubarak al-Sabah
(the Great) who, in early 1897, was recognized, by the Ottoman sultan, as the qaimmaqam (provincial sub-governor) of Kuwait. In
July 1897, Mubarak invited the British to deploy gunboats along the Kuwaiti coast. This led to what is known as the First Kuwaiti
Crisis, in which the Ottomans demanded that the British stop interfering with their empire. In the end, the Ottoman Empire backed
down, rather than go to war. In January 1899, Mubarak signed an agreement with the British which pledged that Kuwait would
never cede any territory nor receive agents or representatives of any foreign power without the British Government's consent. In
essence, this policy gave Britain control of Kuwait's foreign policy. The treaty also gave Britain responsibility for Kuwait's national
security. In return, Britain agreed to grant an annual subsidy of 15,000 Indian rupees (£1,500) to the ruling family. Despite the
Kuwaiti government's desire to either be independent or under British rule, in the Anglo-Ottoman Convention of 1913, the British
concurred with the Ottoman Empire in defining Kuwait as an "autonomous caza" of the Ottoman Empire and that the Shaikhs of
Kuwait were not independent leaders, but rather qaimmaqams (provincial sub-governors) of the Ottoman government. After World
War I, the Ottoman Empire was defeated and the British invalidated the Anglo-Ottoman Convention, declaring Kuwait to be an
"independent sheikhdom under British protectorate." The power vacuum left by the fall of the Ottomans sharpened conflict between
Kuwait and Najd. In May 1920 ibn Saud's Wahhabi Bedouins of Nejd had attacked a Kuwaiti detachment in southern Kuwait,
forcing its retreat. In October they raided Jahra, 40km from the capital. In response, the British deployed gunboats, armored cars
and aircraft. The Bedouins withdrew. The 1920s and 30s saw the collapse of the pearl fishery and with it Kuwait's economy. This is
attributed to the invention of the artificial cultivation of pearls. Kuwait became one of the world's poorest countries and became
even more dependent on Britain for protection. In 1941 on the same day as the German invasion of Russia (22 June) the British
took total control over Iraq and Kuwait. (The British and Russians would invade the neighboring Iran in September of that year).
By early 1961, the British had withdrawn their special court system, which handled the cases of foreigners resident in Kuwait, and
the Kuwaiti Government began to exercise legal jurisdiction under new laws drawn up by an Egyptian jurist. On June 19, 1961,
Kuwait became fully independent following an exchange of notes with the United Kingdom. The boundary with Saudi Arabia was
set in 1922 with the Treaty of Uqair following the Battle of Jahrah. This treaty also established the Kuwait-Saudi Arabia Neutral
Zone, an area of about 5,180 sq. km. (2,000 sq. mi.) adjoining Kuwait's southern border. In December 1969, Kuwait and Saudi
Arabia signed an agreement dividing the Neutral Zone (now called the Divided Zone) and demarcating a new international
boundary. Both countries share equally the Divided Zone's petroleum, onshore and offshore. Kuwait's northern border with Iraq
dates from an agreement made with Turkey in 1913. Iraq accepted this claim in 1932 upon its independence from Turkey.
However, following Kuwait's independence in 1961, Iraq claimed Kuwait, under the pretense that Kuwait had been part of the
Ottoman Empire subject to Iraqi suzerainty. In 1963, Iraq reaffirmed its acceptance of Kuwaiti sovereignty and the boundary it
agreed to in 1913 and 1932. In the 1980s Kuwait, fearful of Iran after the Islamic Revolution in Iran, supported Iraq in the Iran-
Iraq war. Kuwait sent large sums of money [5 Billion US$] to Iraq. As a consequence of this Iran attacked Kuwait's oil tankers,
and Kuwait was forced to seek protection from the United States, which sent warships to the Persian Gulf. Kuwait was then
invaded and annexed by Iraq (under Saddam Hussein) in August 1990. Hussein's primary justifications included a charge that
Kuwaiti territory was in fact an Iraqi province, and that annexation was retaliation for "economic warfare" Kuwait had waged
through slant drilling into Iraq's oil supplies. The monarchy was deposed after annexation, and an Iraqi governor installed. U.S.
President George H.W. Bush condemned the invasion, and led efforts to drive out the Iraqi forces. Authorized by the United
Nations Security Council, an American-led coalition of 34 nations fought the First Persian Gulf War to reinstate the Kuwaiti Emir.
Following several weeks of aerial bombardment, a U.S.-led United Nations (UN) coalition began a ground assault on February 23,
1991 that completely removed Iraqi forces from Kuwait in four days. After liberation, the UN, under Security Council Resolution
687, demarcated the Iraq-Kuwait boundary on the basis of the 1932 and the 1963 agreements between the two states. In
November 1994, Iraq formally accepted the UN-demarcated border with Kuwait, which had been further spelled out in Security
Council Resolutions 773 and 883. Kuwait has spent more than five billion dollars to repair oil infrastructure damaged during 1990–
1991. In 2003, Kuwait served as the major staging base for the coalition forces in the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq; it was the only
Arab nation to publicly support the invasion. An early parliamentary election was held in Kuwait on 16 May 2009, the country's
third in a three-year period. 210 candidates attempted to win 50 seats. 16 were female. For the first time, Kuwait, which has no
political parties, elected female MPs. Four women will appear in parliament.
Source: Wikipedia: History of Kuwait
the name came from an island off the Greek coast, where it is believed that the mythical Icarus was buried, which resembled
Failaka. Others however believe it was named so due to its heat and the belief that it was close to the sun. For recent archaeological
activities at Failaka visit the website of Kuwaiti-Slovak Archaeological Mission (KSAM). Kuwait was founded in the early
eighteenth century by various clans of the Anaiza, who gradually migrated sometime in the late seventeenth century from Nejd to the
shores of the Persian Gulf. In the course of these migrations, different tribal groups with different skills came together to form a new
tribe, what became collectively known as Bani Utub after the migration. According to one local tradition, the Sabahs migrated south
to flee drought in Najd, but found conditions bleaker. Returning to Najd, they regrouped with other families and migrated to Zubara,
on Qatar's west coast. Finding conditions no better there, they finally migrated north to Kuwait where they found water and
consequently settled. Peace in a region dominated by the Bani Khalid, as well as internal problems that kept other regional powers
from interfering, allowed the Bani Utub to develop new maritime skills. Although the Bani Khalid controlled the harbors and kept
the peace, they were primarily a desert-oriented people and did not trade much by sea. Kuwait had arguably one of the best natural
harbors in the Persian Gulf; its location allowed it to benefit from the caravan trade to Aleppo and Baghdad, Shatt al-Arab trade,
and from smuggling trade into Ottoman territory that high tariffs encouraged. Soon after the colony was founded, a Sabah became
leader, ruling until his death in 1762. One tradition has it that political preeminence went to the Sabahs as part of an explicit
agreement: in 1716 the heads of the al-Khalifa, al-Sabah, and al-Jalahima agreed to give the Sabahs preeminence in government
and military affairs, subject to consultation, while the Khalifas controlled local commerce and the Jalahima maritime affairs. Another
account has it that after reaching Kuwait the Bani Utub held a council and elected a representative to go to Basra to explain their
peaceful intent to the Ottomans. The man chosen was a Sabah, Sabah I bin Jaber. Many theories exist as to the source and origin of
Sabah power. The Sabahs, because of their role in the caravan (as opposed to sea) trade, developed closer ties with the desert,
and as a result became the tax collectors there, an important revenue source. Sabah family rule, though well established, remained
limited until well into the 20th century. This is because the merchants, owing to their financial power, could still check Sabah designs.
Kuwait's first contact with Britain occurred in 1775 when first plague, then the Persians,[citation needed] struck Basra and East
India Company made arrangements to have the Persian Gulf-Aleppo Mail Service diverted through Kuwait. Also during this period,
the British established a base in the region. The British became increasingly interested in Kuwait, and the Middle East in general, as
the Germans made plans to extend their proposed Berlin-Baghdad railway into Kuwait, where they intended to locate a coaling
station. In the 1870s, Ottoman officials were reasserting their presence in the Gulf, with a military intervention in 1871—which was
not effectively pursued—where family rivalries in Kuwait and Qatar were breeding chaos. The Ottomans were bankrupt, and when
the European banks took control of the Ottoman budget in 1881, additional income was required from Kuwait and the Arabian
peninsula. Midhat Pasha, the governor of Iraq, demanded that Kuwait submit to Ottoman rule. The al-Sabah found diplomatic allies
in the British Foreign Office. In May 1896, Shaikh Muhammad Al-Sabah was assassinated by his half-brother, Mubarak al-Sabah
(the Great) who, in early 1897, was recognized, by the Ottoman sultan, as the qaimmaqam (provincial sub-governor) of Kuwait. In
July 1897, Mubarak invited the British to deploy gunboats along the Kuwaiti coast. This led to what is known as the First Kuwaiti
Crisis, in which the Ottomans demanded that the British stop interfering with their empire. In the end, the Ottoman Empire backed
down, rather than go to war. In January 1899, Mubarak signed an agreement with the British which pledged that Kuwait would
never cede any territory nor receive agents or representatives of any foreign power without the British Government's consent. In
essence, this policy gave Britain control of Kuwait's foreign policy. The treaty also gave Britain responsibility for Kuwait's national
security. In return, Britain agreed to grant an annual subsidy of 15,000 Indian rupees (£1,500) to the ruling family. Despite the
Kuwaiti government's desire to either be independent or under British rule, in the Anglo-Ottoman Convention of 1913, the British
concurred with the Ottoman Empire in defining Kuwait as an "autonomous caza" of the Ottoman Empire and that the Shaikhs of
Kuwait were not independent leaders, but rather qaimmaqams (provincial sub-governors) of the Ottoman government. After World
War I, the Ottoman Empire was defeated and the British invalidated the Anglo-Ottoman Convention, declaring Kuwait to be an
"independent sheikhdom under British protectorate." The power vacuum left by the fall of the Ottomans sharpened conflict between
Kuwait and Najd. In May 1920 ibn Saud's Wahhabi Bedouins of Nejd had attacked a Kuwaiti detachment in southern Kuwait,
forcing its retreat. In October they raided Jahra, 40km from the capital. In response, the British deployed gunboats, armored cars
and aircraft. The Bedouins withdrew. The 1920s and 30s saw the collapse of the pearl fishery and with it Kuwait's economy. This is
attributed to the invention of the artificial cultivation of pearls. Kuwait became one of the world's poorest countries and became
even more dependent on Britain for protection. In 1941 on the same day as the German invasion of Russia (22 June) the British
took total control over Iraq and Kuwait. (The British and Russians would invade the neighboring Iran in September of that year).
By early 1961, the British had withdrawn their special court system, which handled the cases of foreigners resident in Kuwait, and
the Kuwaiti Government began to exercise legal jurisdiction under new laws drawn up by an Egyptian jurist. On June 19, 1961,
Kuwait became fully independent following an exchange of notes with the United Kingdom. The boundary with Saudi Arabia was
set in 1922 with the Treaty of Uqair following the Battle of Jahrah. This treaty also established the Kuwait-Saudi Arabia Neutral
Zone, an area of about 5,180 sq. km. (2,000 sq. mi.) adjoining Kuwait's southern border. In December 1969, Kuwait and Saudi
Arabia signed an agreement dividing the Neutral Zone (now called the Divided Zone) and demarcating a new international
boundary. Both countries share equally the Divided Zone's petroleum, onshore and offshore. Kuwait's northern border with Iraq
dates from an agreement made with Turkey in 1913. Iraq accepted this claim in 1932 upon its independence from Turkey.
However, following Kuwait's independence in 1961, Iraq claimed Kuwait, under the pretense that Kuwait had been part of the
Ottoman Empire subject to Iraqi suzerainty. In 1963, Iraq reaffirmed its acceptance of Kuwaiti sovereignty and the boundary it
agreed to in 1913 and 1932. In the 1980s Kuwait, fearful of Iran after the Islamic Revolution in Iran, supported Iraq in the Iran-
Iraq war. Kuwait sent large sums of money [5 Billion US$] to Iraq. As a consequence of this Iran attacked Kuwait's oil tankers,
and Kuwait was forced to seek protection from the United States, which sent warships to the Persian Gulf. Kuwait was then
invaded and annexed by Iraq (under Saddam Hussein) in August 1990. Hussein's primary justifications included a charge that
Kuwaiti territory was in fact an Iraqi province, and that annexation was retaliation for "economic warfare" Kuwait had waged
through slant drilling into Iraq's oil supplies. The monarchy was deposed after annexation, and an Iraqi governor installed. U.S.
President George H.W. Bush condemned the invasion, and led efforts to drive out the Iraqi forces. Authorized by the United
Nations Security Council, an American-led coalition of 34 nations fought the First Persian Gulf War to reinstate the Kuwaiti Emir.
Following several weeks of aerial bombardment, a U.S.-led United Nations (UN) coalition began a ground assault on February 23,
1991 that completely removed Iraqi forces from Kuwait in four days. After liberation, the UN, under Security Council Resolution
687, demarcated the Iraq-Kuwait boundary on the basis of the 1932 and the 1963 agreements between the two states. In
November 1994, Iraq formally accepted the UN-demarcated border with Kuwait, which had been further spelled out in Security
Council Resolutions 773 and 883. Kuwait has spent more than five billion dollars to repair oil infrastructure damaged during 1990–
1991. In 2003, Kuwait served as the major staging base for the coalition forces in the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq; it was the only
Arab nation to publicly support the invasion. An early parliamentary election was held in Kuwait on 16 May 2009, the country's
third in a three-year period. 210 candidates attempted to win 50 seats. 16 were female. For the first time, Kuwait, which has no
political parties, elected female MPs. Four women will appear in parliament.
Source: Wikipedia: History of Kuwait
| ECONOMIC OVERVIEW |
Kuwait has a geographically small, but wealthy, relatively open economy with self-reported crude oil reserves of about 102 billion
barrels - about 9% of world reserves. Petroleum accounts for nearly half of GDP, 95% of export revenues, and 95% of
government income. Kuwaiti officials have committed to increasing oil production to 4 million barrels per day by 2020. Kuwait
survived the economic crisis on the strength of budget surpluses generated by high oil prices, posting its tenth consecutive budget
surplus in 2008, before slipping into deficit territory in 2009. Kuwait has done little to diversify its economy, in part, because of this
positive fiscal situation, and, in part, due to the poor business climate and the acrimonious relationship between the National
Assembly and the executive branch, which has stymied most movement on economic reforms. Nonetheless, the government in 2009
passed an economic development plan that pledges to spend up to $140 billion in five years to diversify the economy away from oil,
attract more investment, and boost private sector participation in the economy. Increasing government expenditures by so large an
amount during the planned time frame may be difficult to accomplish.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Kuwait)
barrels - about 9% of world reserves. Petroleum accounts for nearly half of GDP, 95% of export revenues, and 95% of
government income. Kuwaiti officials have committed to increasing oil production to 4 million barrels per day by 2020. Kuwait
survived the economic crisis on the strength of budget surpluses generated by high oil prices, posting its tenth consecutive budget
surplus in 2008, before slipping into deficit territory in 2009. Kuwait has done little to diversify its economy, in part, because of this
positive fiscal situation, and, in part, due to the poor business climate and the acrimonious relationship between the National
Assembly and the executive branch, which has stymied most movement on economic reforms. Nonetheless, the government in 2009
passed an economic development plan that pledges to spend up to $140 billion in five years to diversify the economy away from oil,
attract more investment, and boost private sector participation in the economy. Increasing government expenditures by so large an
amount during the planned time frame may be difficult to accomplish.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Kuwait)
| POLITICAL CLIMATE |
Kuwait's monarchical system of government is marked by the unusually wide involvement of members of the ruling family in state
posts. Several important cabinet portfolios are held by members of the ruling family, including defense, interior and foreign affairs.
Members of the ruling family (who bear the title 'shaykh' in Kuwait) typically hold additional cabinet posts, and are found in many
other high posts in the government. This major family role in politics emerged in 1939, when shaykhs of the al-Sabah closed the
Kuwaiti parliament that the merchants had established the year before.
Perhaps the two most contentious issues, leading to six different elections between 1991 - 2008, involve issues pretaining to the
electoral process and the involvement that the royal family has in the government.
Accusations have been mounted that the government has fixed elections and that corrupt candidates, with friendly ties to the royal
family, buy their way into the parliament. The exclusion of women from the electoral process, prior to 2005, the 21 minimum voting
age and fact that parties are still illegal, are also frequent points of contention.
The Prime Minister is typically royal blood and the Amir is the head of State. The more liberal MPs generally distrust the political
power of the royalty, where as the Independents and Islamicists tend to see the royalty as a source of tradition, order and clan
allegiance.
The Constitution does not allow the parliament to fire the Prime Minister, at least not directly, but does allow them to issue an
indirect no-confidence vote and call the Prime Minister to hear and have to answer to public criticism of his policies. Such things
would be illegal in other Gulf States and are seen, by the more conservative-traditionalist factions, as being beyond the pale. It is
possible that the future government will either not have anyone from the royal family in it or that the Prime Minister will be the likely
future king.
Source: Wikipedia: Politics of Kuwait
posts. Several important cabinet portfolios are held by members of the ruling family, including defense, interior and foreign affairs.
Members of the ruling family (who bear the title 'shaykh' in Kuwait) typically hold additional cabinet posts, and are found in many
other high posts in the government. This major family role in politics emerged in 1939, when shaykhs of the al-Sabah closed the
Kuwaiti parliament that the merchants had established the year before.
Perhaps the two most contentious issues, leading to six different elections between 1991 - 2008, involve issues pretaining to the
electoral process and the involvement that the royal family has in the government.
Accusations have been mounted that the government has fixed elections and that corrupt candidates, with friendly ties to the royal
family, buy their way into the parliament. The exclusion of women from the electoral process, prior to 2005, the 21 minimum voting
age and fact that parties are still illegal, are also frequent points of contention.
The Prime Minister is typically royal blood and the Amir is the head of State. The more liberal MPs generally distrust the political
power of the royalty, where as the Independents and Islamicists tend to see the royalty as a source of tradition, order and clan
allegiance.
The Constitution does not allow the parliament to fire the Prime Minister, at least not directly, but does allow them to issue an
indirect no-confidence vote and call the Prime Minister to hear and have to answer to public criticism of his policies. Such things
would be illegal in other Gulf States and are seen, by the more conservative-traditionalist factions, as being beyond the pale. It is
possible that the future government will either not have anyone from the royal family in it or that the Prime Minister will be the likely
future king.
Source: Wikipedia: Politics of Kuwait
| INTERNATIONAL DISPUTES |
Kuwait and Saudi Arabia continue negotiating a joint maritime boundary with Iran; no maritime boundary exists with Iraq in the
Persian Gulf
Persian Gulf
| REFUGEES AND INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS (IDPS) |
None reported.
| ILLICIT DRUGS |
None reported.
| HUMAN RIGHTS STATEMENTS, ANALYSIS AND CRITIQUES |
2009 Human Rights Report: Kuwait
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
Kuwait is a constitutional, hereditary emirate ruled by the Al Sabah family. The country has a population of 3.44 million, of whom 1.1
million are citizens. Local observers and the press considered the May 16 parliamentary election generally free and fair. Civilian
authorities generally maintained effective control of the security forces.
On October 20, the Constitutional Court ruled that a woman can obtain a passport without her husband's permission. On October 28, the
same court ruled that female members of parliament (MPs), female candidates for parliament, and female voters are not legally required
to wear the hijab, a headscarf worn by some Muslim women, thereby settling a contentious issue of how to interpret the 2005 women's
suffrage amendment to the 1962 election law.
Click here to read more »
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
Kuwait is a constitutional, hereditary emirate ruled by the Al Sabah family. The country has a population of 3.44 million, of whom 1.1
million are citizens. Local observers and the press considered the May 16 parliamentary election generally free and fair. Civilian
authorities generally maintained effective control of the security forces.
- The government limited citizens' right to change their government and form political parties.
- There were a few reports of security forces abusing prisoners and at least one investigation and prosecution related to prisoner
abuse. - The government limited freedoms of speech, religion, and movement for certain groups and, although widely regarded as
allowing considerably free media, occasionally limited media freedom. - The status of stateless Arab residents (called "Bidoon") remained unresolved.
- Government corruption and trafficking in persons remained problems.
- Women did not enjoy equal rights, although some advances were made.
- Expatriate workers faced difficult conditions in the domestic and unskilled service sectors.
On October 20, the Constitutional Court ruled that a woman can obtain a passport without her husband's permission. On October 28, the
same court ruled that female members of parliament (MPs), female candidates for parliament, and female voters are not legally required
to wear the hijab, a headscarf worn by some Muslim women, thereby settling a contentious issue of how to interpret the 2005 women's
suffrage amendment to the 1962 election law.
Click here to read more »
1 February 2008
COMMITTEE ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD
Forty-seventh session
CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS SUBMITTED BY STATES PARTIES UNDER ARTICLE 12(1) OF THE OPTIONAL
PROTOCOL TO THE CONVENTION ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD ON THE SALE OF CHILDREN, CHILDREN
PROSTITUTION AND CHILD PORNOGRAPHY
Concluding Observations of the Committee on the Rights of the Child: Kuwait
Introduction
2. The Committee welcomes the submission of the State party’s initial report as well as the submission of the written replies to its list of
issues (CRC/C/OPSC/KWT/Q/1/Add.1). The Committee appreciates the constructive dialogue with a large and inter-sectoral delegation.
I. General Guidelines
3. The Committee reminds the State party that these concluding observations should be read in conjunction with its previous concluding
observations adopted on the State party’s initial report on 26 October 1998, contained in CRC/C/15/Add.96, and with the concluding
observations adopted on the State party’s initial report on the Optional Protocol on the involvement of children in armed conflict,
contained in CRC/C/OPAC/KWT/CO/1.
Positive Aspects
4. The Committee welcomes the ratification by the State party of:
(a) The Optional Protocol on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict on 26 August 2006;
(b) The establishment in 2007 of the Higher Council for the Family and Children;
II. Data
5. The Committee welcomes the efforts made by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour to update its data collection system to collect
information on the number of prosecutions and convictions for offenses covered by this Optional Protocol. However, the Committee
regrets that reliable data on the extent of sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography and on the number of children
involved in these activities is very limited, mainly due to the absence of a comprehensive data collection system as well as to prevailing
taboos in the society surrounding the issue.
6. The Committee recommends that the State party establish a comprehensive data collection system in order to ensure that data
disaggregated, inter alia by age, sex, minority groups, vulnerable children, including migrant children and stateless children (Bidoon), and
socio-economic background, is systematically collected and analysed as it provides an essential tool for measuring policy
implementation. Data should also include information on the number of prosecutions and convictions for such offenses, disaggregated
by the nature of the offense. The Committee encourages the State party to seek the assistance of UN agencies and programs, including
UNICEF, in this regard.
Click here to read more »
COMMITTEE ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD
Forty-seventh session
CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS SUBMITTED BY STATES PARTIES UNDER ARTICLE 12(1) OF THE OPTIONAL
PROTOCOL TO THE CONVENTION ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD ON THE SALE OF CHILDREN, CHILDREN
PROSTITUTION AND CHILD PORNOGRAPHY
Concluding Observations of the Committee on the Rights of the Child: Kuwait
Introduction
2. The Committee welcomes the submission of the State party’s initial report as well as the submission of the written replies to its list of
issues (CRC/C/OPSC/KWT/Q/1/Add.1). The Committee appreciates the constructive dialogue with a large and inter-sectoral delegation.
I. General Guidelines
3. The Committee reminds the State party that these concluding observations should be read in conjunction with its previous concluding
observations adopted on the State party’s initial report on 26 October 1998, contained in CRC/C/15/Add.96, and with the concluding
observations adopted on the State party’s initial report on the Optional Protocol on the involvement of children in armed conflict,
contained in CRC/C/OPAC/KWT/CO/1.
Positive Aspects
4. The Committee welcomes the ratification by the State party of:
(a) The Optional Protocol on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict on 26 August 2006;
(b) The establishment in 2007 of the Higher Council for the Family and Children;
II. Data
5. The Committee welcomes the efforts made by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour to update its data collection system to collect
information on the number of prosecutions and convictions for offenses covered by this Optional Protocol. However, the Committee
regrets that reliable data on the extent of sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography and on the number of children
involved in these activities is very limited, mainly due to the absence of a comprehensive data collection system as well as to prevailing
taboos in the society surrounding the issue.
6. The Committee recommends that the State party establish a comprehensive data collection system in order to ensure that data
disaggregated, inter alia by age, sex, minority groups, vulnerable children, including migrant children and stateless children (Bidoon), and
socio-economic background, is systematically collected and analysed as it provides an essential tool for measuring policy
implementation. Data should also include information on the number of prosecutions and convictions for such offenses, disaggregated
by the nature of the offense. The Committee encourages the State party to seek the assistance of UN agencies and programs, including
UNICEF, in this regard.
Click here to read more »
Freedom In The World 2010 Report
Political Rights Score: 4
Civil Liberties Score: 4
Status: Partly Free
Overview
In May 2009, Kuwait held parliamentary elections for the third time in three years. For the first time Kuwait’s history, four women won
seats in the new parliament. In April, a former member of parliament was arrested and quickly released on bail for criticizing a member
of the ruling family. Kuwait’s Constitutional Court in October granted women the right to obtain a passport without the permission of
their husbands. In December, the parliament questioned Prime Minister Nasser al-Sabahover concerns about corruption.
The emir dissolved parliament in March 2008, leading to another round of elections in May. Members of parliament continued to press
for the power to question cabinet members on corruption and the performance of public services. In November 2008, members of the
Salafi bloc in parliament demanded the right to question Prime Minister Nasser al-Sabah, a nephew of the emir, on charges of corruption.
As a result of parliamentary anger, the prime minister submitted his and the cabinet’s resignation in November.
The emir accepted the cabinet’s resignation in December 2008. In a display of his displeasure with the parliament, the emir immediately
reappointed his nephew Nasser al-Sabah as prime minister, a move that ensured continued frustration. The prime minister finalized the
new cabinet in January 2009, making no significant changes to the government. Opposition members of parliament quickly renewed
calls to question members of the cabinet for the misuse of public funds. Tensions boiled over again just three months after the formation
of the cabinet, leading the government to resign again on March 16. The emir dissolved the parliament two days later, setting up the
country’s third parliamentary elections in three years.
Elections for the new parliament were held in May 2009. Four women won seats, marking the first time women candidates have been
elected in the country’s history. Turnout was low, and the results were mixed, with Sunni Islamists, Shiites, liberals and tribal
representatives all winning seats.
After renewed calls to question the prime minister on corruption emerged in November, he appeared before the parliament in December,
marking the first time a Kuwaiti prime minister had ever been questioned by the legislature. He survived the subsequent no-confidence
vote when 35 of the parliament’s 50 members voted in support of him.
Kuwait, which holds about 10 percent of the world’s proven oil reserves, suffered an economic slowdown in 2009 following the
collapse of oil prices in late 2008. Oil dominates the economy, accounting for nearly 90 percent of public revenues.
Kuwait is not an electoral democracy. The ruling family largely sets the policy agenda and dominates political life. The emir has
overriding power in the government system and appoints the prime minister and cabinet. Under the constitution, the emir shares
legislative power with the 50-member National Assembly, which is elected to four-year terms by popular vote. The electorate consists of
men and women over 21 years of age who have been citizens for at least 20 years; members of most security forces are barred from
voting. A 2006 law reduced the number of multimember electoral districts from 25 to 5 in an effort to curb corruption and manipulation.
The emir has the authority to dissolve the National Assembly at will but must call elections within 60 days. The parliament can overturn
decrees issued by the emir while it was not in session. It can veto the appointment of the country’s prime minister, but then it must
choose from three alternates put forward by the emir. The parliament also has the power to remove government ministers with a
majority vote.
Click here to read more »
Political Rights Score: 4
Civil Liberties Score: 4
Status: Partly Free
Overview
In May 2009, Kuwait held parliamentary elections for the third time in three years. For the first time Kuwait’s history, four women won
seats in the new parliament. In April, a former member of parliament was arrested and quickly released on bail for criticizing a member
of the ruling family. Kuwait’s Constitutional Court in October granted women the right to obtain a passport without the permission of
their husbands. In December, the parliament questioned Prime Minister Nasser al-Sabahover concerns about corruption.
The emir dissolved parliament in March 2008, leading to another round of elections in May. Members of parliament continued to press
for the power to question cabinet members on corruption and the performance of public services. In November 2008, members of the
Salafi bloc in parliament demanded the right to question Prime Minister Nasser al-Sabah, a nephew of the emir, on charges of corruption.
As a result of parliamentary anger, the prime minister submitted his and the cabinet’s resignation in November.
The emir accepted the cabinet’s resignation in December 2008. In a display of his displeasure with the parliament, the emir immediately
reappointed his nephew Nasser al-Sabah as prime minister, a move that ensured continued frustration. The prime minister finalized the
new cabinet in January 2009, making no significant changes to the government. Opposition members of parliament quickly renewed
calls to question members of the cabinet for the misuse of public funds. Tensions boiled over again just three months after the formation
of the cabinet, leading the government to resign again on March 16. The emir dissolved the parliament two days later, setting up the
country’s third parliamentary elections in three years.
Elections for the new parliament were held in May 2009. Four women won seats, marking the first time women candidates have been
elected in the country’s history. Turnout was low, and the results were mixed, with Sunni Islamists, Shiites, liberals and tribal
representatives all winning seats.
After renewed calls to question the prime minister on corruption emerged in November, he appeared before the parliament in December,
marking the first time a Kuwaiti prime minister had ever been questioned by the legislature. He survived the subsequent no-confidence
vote when 35 of the parliament’s 50 members voted in support of him.
Kuwait, which holds about 10 percent of the world’s proven oil reserves, suffered an economic slowdown in 2009 following the
collapse of oil prices in late 2008. Oil dominates the economy, accounting for nearly 90 percent of public revenues.
Kuwait is not an electoral democracy. The ruling family largely sets the policy agenda and dominates political life. The emir has
overriding power in the government system and appoints the prime minister and cabinet. Under the constitution, the emir shares
legislative power with the 50-member National Assembly, which is elected to four-year terms by popular vote. The electorate consists of
men and women over 21 years of age who have been citizens for at least 20 years; members of most security forces are barred from
voting. A 2006 law reduced the number of multimember electoral districts from 25 to 5 in an effort to curb corruption and manipulation.
The emir has the authority to dissolve the National Assembly at will but must call elections within 60 days. The parliament can overturn
decrees issued by the emir while it was not in session. It can veto the appointment of the country’s prime minister, but then it must
choose from three alternates put forward by the emir. The parliament also has the power to remove government ministers with a
majority vote.
Click here to read more »
An Unusual Suspect: The Case of Muhamad Abdulqader Al-Jasem
By Ghanim Alnajjar, human rights activist and Professor of Political Science at Kuwait University
30 June 2010
Until Muhammad ‘Abd al-Qader Al-Jasem was detained on 11 May 2010, we in Kuwait had prided ourselves that we lived in a country
that had no political prisoners. His arrest was a shock to many people, and his release on 28 June will certainly add to the pressure on the
government to keep its record clean in a region of the world that, unfortunately, could be described as the “Empty Quarter” for political
freedoms.
Al-Jasem, a lawyer and a blogger, who has been writing critically of the Prime Minister and other officials since 2005, was summoned
to State Security Headquarters on 11 May 2010 and arrested.
He was later questioned by the Public Prosecutor, then detained for 21 days, the maximum period allowed to the Prosecutor. On 24
May, before the 21 days were over, he was taken to his first court hearing. He was charged with spreading false news, insulting the
head of the state, and attempting to eradicate the foundation of the state.
As the news about Al-Jasem’s detention spread, a public campaign for his release was launched which included public meetings,
petitions and writings in his support.
I took part in those campaigns and gave presentations which can be found on YouTube. Our main argument against his arrest and
detention was that this represented an abuse of the law, violation of the Constitution, serious procedural irregularities in procedures and
unlawful detention.
I attended all four court hearings each of which were thronged with supporters and family members. The first three hearings were
mostly procedural. However, in the second hearing, the judge ordered the formation of a medical team to examine Al-Jasem and report
on his health. In the third hearing on 21 June, the judge adjourned the case for a week to give time for the defence team to study the
medical report, and then on 28 June ordered that Aljassem should be released – a decision which was greeted with jubilation.
Amnesty International and other international NGOs played a major role in obtaining Al-Jasem’s release by calling on the Kuwaiti
government to stop undermining the principle of freedom of speech.
Almost all NGOs conveyed the same message reminding the Kuwaiti government that it should maintain its generally positive record of
respect of human rights. These included Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, Reporters without Borders, the Committee to
Protect Journalists, International Federation for Human Rights and others. I can say without hesitation that without such support, the Al-
Jasem case would have been weaker in profile and in prospect for how it may end.
Click here to read more »
By Ghanim Alnajjar, human rights activist and Professor of Political Science at Kuwait University
30 June 2010
Until Muhammad ‘Abd al-Qader Al-Jasem was detained on 11 May 2010, we in Kuwait had prided ourselves that we lived in a country
that had no political prisoners. His arrest was a shock to many people, and his release on 28 June will certainly add to the pressure on the
government to keep its record clean in a region of the world that, unfortunately, could be described as the “Empty Quarter” for political
freedoms.
Al-Jasem, a lawyer and a blogger, who has been writing critically of the Prime Minister and other officials since 2005, was summoned
to State Security Headquarters on 11 May 2010 and arrested.
He was later questioned by the Public Prosecutor, then detained for 21 days, the maximum period allowed to the Prosecutor. On 24
May, before the 21 days were over, he was taken to his first court hearing. He was charged with spreading false news, insulting the
head of the state, and attempting to eradicate the foundation of the state.
As the news about Al-Jasem’s detention spread, a public campaign for his release was launched which included public meetings,
petitions and writings in his support.
I took part in those campaigns and gave presentations which can be found on YouTube. Our main argument against his arrest and
detention was that this represented an abuse of the law, violation of the Constitution, serious procedural irregularities in procedures and
unlawful detention.
I attended all four court hearings each of which were thronged with supporters and family members. The first three hearings were
mostly procedural. However, in the second hearing, the judge ordered the formation of a medical team to examine Al-Jasem and report
on his health. In the third hearing on 21 June, the judge adjourned the case for a week to give time for the defence team to study the
medical report, and then on 28 June ordered that Aljassem should be released – a decision which was greeted with jubilation.
Amnesty International and other international NGOs played a major role in obtaining Al-Jasem’s release by calling on the Kuwaiti
government to stop undermining the principle of freedom of speech.
Almost all NGOs conveyed the same message reminding the Kuwaiti government that it should maintain its generally positive record of
respect of human rights. These included Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, Reporters without Borders, the Committee to
Protect Journalists, International Federation for Human Rights and others. I can say without hesitation that without such support, the Al-
Jasem case would have been weaker in profile and in prospect for how it may end.
Click here to read more »
Kuwait: Political Writer Released on Bail
Mohammad al-Jasim Faces September Trial for Criticizing Government and Ruling Family
June 29, 2010
(New York) - A Kuwaiti judge ordered the release on bail on June 28, 2010, of the journalist and blogger Mohammad al-Jasim, Human
Rights Watch said today. Al-Jasim, a well known government critic, faces criminal charges under Kuwait's state security law based on
his blog postings and books critical of Kuwait's government, including members of the ruling family.
"Though al-Jasim is out of jail for now, the pending charges against him show that Kuwait's state security laws are being misused to
stifle criticism," said Sarah Leah Whitson, Middle East director at Human Rights Watch. "The government should drop the charges
against al-Jasim and focus on safeguarding freedom of expression."
Interior Ministry officers arrested al-Jasim on May 11 and held him for 49 days without obtaining the judicial order required to hold a
suspect in pre-trial detention for longer than 21 days. Now released on bail of 2000 Kuwaiti dinars (US$6,850), the writer is to return to
court on September 20 to defend himself against charges of "instigating to overthrow the regime," "slight to the personage of the amir
[the ruler of Kuwait]," and "instigating to dismantle the foundations of Kuwaiti society."
Human Rights Watch has reviewed several of the postings upon which these charges are based, and found them to contain only peaceful
government criticisms and calls to uphold democratic reform. Although certain restrictions on freedom of expression are permitted
under international law, peaceful speech criticizing public officials is given special protection.
Click here to read more »
Mohammad al-Jasim Faces September Trial for Criticizing Government and Ruling Family
June 29, 2010
(New York) - A Kuwaiti judge ordered the release on bail on June 28, 2010, of the journalist and blogger Mohammad al-Jasim, Human
Rights Watch said today. Al-Jasim, a well known government critic, faces criminal charges under Kuwait's state security law based on
his blog postings and books critical of Kuwait's government, including members of the ruling family.
"Though al-Jasim is out of jail for now, the pending charges against him show that Kuwait's state security laws are being misused to
stifle criticism," said Sarah Leah Whitson, Middle East director at Human Rights Watch. "The government should drop the charges
against al-Jasim and focus on safeguarding freedom of expression."
Interior Ministry officers arrested al-Jasim on May 11 and held him for 49 days without obtaining the judicial order required to hold a
suspect in pre-trial detention for longer than 21 days. Now released on bail of 2000 Kuwaiti dinars (US$6,850), the writer is to return to
court on September 20 to defend himself against charges of "instigating to overthrow the regime," "slight to the personage of the amir
[the ruler of Kuwait]," and "instigating to dismantle the foundations of Kuwaiti society."
Human Rights Watch has reviewed several of the postings upon which these charges are based, and found them to contain only peaceful
government criticisms and calls to uphold democratic reform. Although certain restrictions on freedom of expression are permitted
under international law, peaceful speech criticizing public officials is given special protection.
Click here to read more »
STATEMENT MR. MOHAMMAD A. AL ATEEQI THIRD SECRETARY PERMANENT MISSION OF THE STATE OF KUWAIT
TO THE UNITED NATIONS BEFORE THE SIXTH COMMITTEE
AGENDA ITEM: (506): Measures to Eliminate International Terrorism
SIXTY-FOURTH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY
WEDNESDAY, 07 OCTOBER 2009
UNITED NATIONS HEADQUARTERS NEW YORK
Mr. President,
The State of Kuwait condemns all acts of terrorism in all its forms, it rejects extremism, fanaticism sod violence. It affirms the
importance of not relating terrorism to divine religions which call for peace, justice, liberty and respect for human rights.
The subject of formulating a United Nations Comprehensive Treaty to combat terrorism, has taken a long time, and a great deal of
negative discussions, which did not lead to the formulation of a treaty in the name of the United Nations, particularly what concerns
finding a legal definition agreed upon intentionally, which will distinguish criminal acts carried out by some groups or states, and the
established right of resistance of an individual or ai collective group to resist occupation, aggression and to self-defense as acknowledged
by the United Nations Charter (Article 51) which we have not applied until now.
The State of Kuwait was among the first states to call for the consolidation of dialogue and tolerance among the different civilizations,
cultures and religions, as well as advocating the course of moderation and the middle approach, as well as the rejection of fanaticism and
extremism. It urges treating all the divine religions with respect and without disdain or harm to their symbols, since this is considered
enticement of hatred which leads to terrorism.
The State of Kuwait welcomes what was contained in the report of the Secretary-General concerning the progress made in implementing
the United Nations Global Strategy for the Combat of Terrorism. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of following-up on the
contents of the strategy in a comprehensive, non-selective manner and the full implementation of all its components.
In the ambit of the efforts aiming to combat terrorism, the State of Kuwait enacted a law to combat money laundering operations, that
takes into account all international standards and obligations approved by the World Bank concerning combating money laundering,
financing of terrorism, following the movement of money at banking and financial institutions to ensure compliance as well as
establishing oversight measures to regulate and organize charity fund raising activities to ascertain they are not being misused for illegal
terroristic purposes.
Departing from this, the State of Kuwait affirms that the charitable organizations in Kuwait are exemplary in their charity work providing
assistance to the poor communities, thus providing immunity from driftage after terrorist groups motivated by poverty or hunger.
Click here to read more »
TO THE UNITED NATIONS BEFORE THE SIXTH COMMITTEE
AGENDA ITEM: (506): Measures to Eliminate International Terrorism
SIXTY-FOURTH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY
WEDNESDAY, 07 OCTOBER 2009
UNITED NATIONS HEADQUARTERS NEW YORK
Mr. President,
The State of Kuwait condemns all acts of terrorism in all its forms, it rejects extremism, fanaticism sod violence. It affirms the
importance of not relating terrorism to divine religions which call for peace, justice, liberty and respect for human rights.
The subject of formulating a United Nations Comprehensive Treaty to combat terrorism, has taken a long time, and a great deal of
negative discussions, which did not lead to the formulation of a treaty in the name of the United Nations, particularly what concerns
finding a legal definition agreed upon intentionally, which will distinguish criminal acts carried out by some groups or states, and the
established right of resistance of an individual or ai collective group to resist occupation, aggression and to self-defense as acknowledged
by the United Nations Charter (Article 51) which we have not applied until now.
The State of Kuwait was among the first states to call for the consolidation of dialogue and tolerance among the different civilizations,
cultures and religions, as well as advocating the course of moderation and the middle approach, as well as the rejection of fanaticism and
extremism. It urges treating all the divine religions with respect and without disdain or harm to their symbols, since this is considered
enticement of hatred which leads to terrorism.
The State of Kuwait welcomes what was contained in the report of the Secretary-General concerning the progress made in implementing
the United Nations Global Strategy for the Combat of Terrorism. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of following-up on the
contents of the strategy in a comprehensive, non-selective manner and the full implementation of all its components.
In the ambit of the efforts aiming to combat terrorism, the State of Kuwait enacted a law to combat money laundering operations, that
takes into account all international standards and obligations approved by the World Bank concerning combating money laundering,
financing of terrorism, following the movement of money at banking and financial institutions to ensure compliance as well as
establishing oversight measures to regulate and organize charity fund raising activities to ascertain they are not being misused for illegal
terroristic purposes.
Departing from this, the State of Kuwait affirms that the charitable organizations in Kuwait are exemplary in their charity work providing
assistance to the poor communities, thus providing immunity from driftage after terrorist groups motivated by poverty or hunger.
Click here to read more »
Statement about: Status of human rights in the State of Kuwait
Kuwaiti Association for basic Evaluators of Human Rights KABE.HUMANRIGHTS
The State of Kuwait
1, November, 2009
Introduction
The Kuwaiti Association for the basic Evaluators of human rights is a civic association, officially defamatory and licensed in the State of
Kuwait, no (2005/99), it embarked on the issuance of this report to do its part towards the issues and violations of human rights and the
removal of all such violations to enhance the pioneering reputation of Kuwait in the field of human rights by monitoring the most
important human rights issues related Kuwaiti affairs.
We built in the preparation of this report on specific criteria, namely:
1. The reference of human rights in the country.
2. Harmonization of domestic laws with local agreements.
3. Attention to vulnerable groups in society as stateless, employment and women.
4. Complaints and suggestions received by the Society.
5. Monitor humanitarian violations as well as studies and researches on this matter.
First: The absence of an independent national board for human rights
The establishment of that independent board for human rights is the most important demand of relevant organizations in the civil society
where that board will have independent control of all the issues and violations of human rights within the State of Kuwait in the first
place. It is better to be configured by members of government, relevant organizations in the civil society and human rights activists and
jurists. In this regard, the Kuwaiti Association for basic Evaluators of human rights has made a number of steps through the formulation
of a vision to the bill for establishing such a board, and this vision was presented to the relevant organizations in a special meeting and
was approved in principle, and then was introduced with that approval to the minister of social affairs and labour at that time. To
complement these efforts, the association held two meetings with the Committee of the Defense for Human Rights in the Kuwaiti
parliament to submit a draft law to the Council for approval and it has not achieved any progress in this regard. We moved into the
claims series that in the case has not been created the National Board for Human Rights, the alternative, which is indispensable, is to
include relevant organizations concerned with human rights to the Higher Committee for Human Rights in the Ministry of Justice so that
it may have greater credibility and genuine representation in international organizations.
Click here to read more »
Kuwaiti Association for basic Evaluators of Human Rights KABE.HUMANRIGHTS
The State of Kuwait
1, November, 2009
Introduction
The Kuwaiti Association for the basic Evaluators of human rights is a civic association, officially defamatory and licensed in the State of
Kuwait, no (2005/99), it embarked on the issuance of this report to do its part towards the issues and violations of human rights and the
removal of all such violations to enhance the pioneering reputation of Kuwait in the field of human rights by monitoring the most
important human rights issues related Kuwaiti affairs.
We built in the preparation of this report on specific criteria, namely:
1. The reference of human rights in the country.
2. Harmonization of domestic laws with local agreements.
3. Attention to vulnerable groups in society as stateless, employment and women.
4. Complaints and suggestions received by the Society.
5. Monitor humanitarian violations as well as studies and researches on this matter.
First: The absence of an independent national board for human rights
The establishment of that independent board for human rights is the most important demand of relevant organizations in the civil society
where that board will have independent control of all the issues and violations of human rights within the State of Kuwait in the first
place. It is better to be configured by members of government, relevant organizations in the civil society and human rights activists and
jurists. In this regard, the Kuwaiti Association for basic Evaluators of human rights has made a number of steps through the formulation
of a vision to the bill for establishing such a board, and this vision was presented to the relevant organizations in a special meeting and
was approved in principle, and then was introduced with that approval to the minister of social affairs and labour at that time. To
complement these efforts, the association held two meetings with the Committee of the Defense for Human Rights in the Kuwaiti
parliament to submit a draft law to the Council for approval and it has not achieved any progress in this regard. We moved into the
claims series that in the case has not been created the National Board for Human Rights, the alternative, which is indispensable, is to
include relevant organizations concerned with human rights to the Higher Committee for Human Rights in the Ministry of Justice so that
it may have greater credibility and genuine representation in international organizations.
Click here to read more »
Kuwait Human Rights Association calls for immediate release of Mohammad Al Jassem
Kuwait Human Rights Association calls for release of activist detained on charges of insulting the Emir
By Habib Toumi, Bahrain Bureau Chief
Published: 18:13 May 23, 2010
Manama: Kuwait Human Rights Association has called for the immediate release of Mohammad Al Jasem, the activist detained on
charges of insulting the Emir, inciting the overthrow of government, and spreading false news that could affect Kuwait's national
interests, according to his lawyer Jasser Al Jidei.
The rights watchdog said upon completing a visit to the detainee on Sunday, Al Jasem should pay a bail and allowed to go home until his
case is reviewed. The public prosecutor has given the permission for the visit
"He is a well-known Kuwaiti national and he is easy to find and there is no risk of him running away or trying to influence witnesses or
to alter evidence," the association said.
Al Jasem was in high spirits and was receiving adequate medical care despite the low standards of the prison infrastructure.
The activist said that he was in contact with the world through the television set and newspapers. "He could also communicate through a
telephone with his family and he is expecting them to visit him on Tuesday," the association said. His lawyer has already visited him once.
Al Jasem who is reportedly suffering from heart problems, went on a hunger strike one day after he was summoned by the state
security agency to answer the charges levelled against him. Appeals from his family and doctors eventually convinced him to end the
strike.
Hundreds of Kuwaitis last week staged a rally in Kuwait City to demand Al Jasem’s release. The public meeting that brought together
activists from all ideologies was initiated by a 17-year-old Kuwaiti youth who called for the public demonstration.
According to Kuwaiti daily Arab Times, a statement called upon the authorities to allow Al Jasem to go home included the Alumni
Association, Kuwait Human Rights Association, Kuwait Society for Basic Elements of Human Rights, Women Cultural and Social
Society, Kuwait Teachers Association, Kuwait University Teachers Association, Teachers League at the Public Authority for Applied
Education and Training, Kuwait Economic Society, National Union of Kuwaiti Students, and Kuwaiti Workers Public Union.
Earlier, Paris-based Reporters Without Borders called for the release of Al Jasem and for the dropping of the charges against him.
Click here to read more>>
Kuwait Human Rights Association calls for release of activist detained on charges of insulting the Emir
By Habib Toumi, Bahrain Bureau Chief
Published: 18:13 May 23, 2010
Manama: Kuwait Human Rights Association has called for the immediate release of Mohammad Al Jasem, the activist detained on
charges of insulting the Emir, inciting the overthrow of government, and spreading false news that could affect Kuwait's national
interests, according to his lawyer Jasser Al Jidei.
The rights watchdog said upon completing a visit to the detainee on Sunday, Al Jasem should pay a bail and allowed to go home until his
case is reviewed. The public prosecutor has given the permission for the visit
"He is a well-known Kuwaiti national and he is easy to find and there is no risk of him running away or trying to influence witnesses or
to alter evidence," the association said.
Al Jasem was in high spirits and was receiving adequate medical care despite the low standards of the prison infrastructure.
The activist said that he was in contact with the world through the television set and newspapers. "He could also communicate through a
telephone with his family and he is expecting them to visit him on Tuesday," the association said. His lawyer has already visited him once.
Al Jasem who is reportedly suffering from heart problems, went on a hunger strike one day after he was summoned by the state
security agency to answer the charges levelled against him. Appeals from his family and doctors eventually convinced him to end the
strike.
Hundreds of Kuwaitis last week staged a rally in Kuwait City to demand Al Jasem’s release. The public meeting that brought together
activists from all ideologies was initiated by a 17-year-old Kuwaiti youth who called for the public demonstration.
According to Kuwaiti daily Arab Times, a statement called upon the authorities to allow Al Jasem to go home included the Alumni
Association, Kuwait Human Rights Association, Kuwait Society for Basic Elements of Human Rights, Women Cultural and Social
Society, Kuwait Teachers Association, Kuwait University Teachers Association, Teachers League at the Public Authority for Applied
Education and Training, Kuwait Economic Society, National Union of Kuwaiti Students, and Kuwaiti Workers Public Union.
Earlier, Paris-based Reporters Without Borders called for the release of Al Jasem and for the dropping of the charges against him.
Click here to read more>>
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| Click flag for Country Report |
Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jabir al-Sabah
Amir since 29 January 2006
Amir since 29 January 2006
Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Jabir al-Sabah
Crown Prince and Heir Apparent
since 7 February 2006
Crown Prince and Heir Apparent
since 7 February 2006
| TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS |
Current situation: Kuwait is a destination country for men and women who migrate legally from South and Southeast Asia for
domestic or low-skilled labor, but are subjected to conditions of involuntary servitude by employers in Kuwait including conditions
of physical and sexual abuse, non-payment of wages, confinement to the home, and withholding of passports to restrict their
freedom of movement; Kuwait is reportedly a transit point for South and East Asian workers recruited for low-skilled work in Iraq;
some of these workers are deceived as to the true location and nature of this work, and others are subjected to conditions of
involuntary servitude in Iraq
Tier rating: Tier 3 - Kuwaiti government has shown an inability to define trafficking and has demonstrated insufficient political will
to address human trafficking adequately; much of the human trafficking found in Kuwait involves domestic workers in private
residences and the government is reluctant to prosecute Kuwaiti citizens; the government has not enacted legislation targeting human
trafficking nor established a permanent shelter for victims of trafficking (2009)
domestic or low-skilled labor, but are subjected to conditions of involuntary servitude by employers in Kuwait including conditions
of physical and sexual abuse, non-payment of wages, confinement to the home, and withholding of passports to restrict their
freedom of movement; Kuwait is reportedly a transit point for South and East Asian workers recruited for low-skilled work in Iraq;
some of these workers are deceived as to the true location and nature of this work, and others are subjected to conditions of
involuntary servitude in Iraq
Tier rating: Tier 3 - Kuwaiti government has shown an inability to define trafficking and has demonstrated insufficient political will
to address human trafficking adequately; much of the human trafficking found in Kuwait involves domestic workers in private
residences and the government is reluctant to prosecute Kuwaiti citizens; the government has not enacted legislation targeting human
trafficking nor established a permanent shelter for victims of trafficking (2009)
Jabir Mubarak al-Hamad al-Sabah
First Deputy Prime Minister since 9 February 2006
First Deputy Prime Minister since 9 February 2006
Muhammad al-Sabah al-Salim al-Sabah
Deputy Prime Minister since 9 February 2006
Deputy Prime Minister since 9 February 2006
Faysal al-Hajji
Deputy Prime Minister since 5 April 2007
Deputy Prime Minister since 5 April 2007
