| KUWAIT State of Kuwait Dawlat al Kuwayt Joined United Nations: 14 May 1963 Human Rights as assured by their constitution Updated 05 December 2012 |
Part II Fundamental Constituents of Kuwaiti Society
Article 7 [State Goals]
Justice, Liberty, and Equality are the pillars of society; co-operation and mutual help are the firmest bonds between citizens.
Article 8 [Guardian State]
The State safeguards the pillars of Society and ensures security, tranquility, and equal opportunities for citizens.
Article 9 [Family]
The family is the corner-stone of Society. It is founded on religion, morality, and patriotism. Law shall preserve the integrity of the family,
strengthen its ties, and protect under its support motherhood and childhood.
Article 10 [Youth Protection]
The State cares for the young and protects them from exploitation and from moral, physical, and spiritual neglect.
Article 11 [Old Age Protection]
The State ensures aid for citizens in old age, sickness, or inability to work. It also provides them with services of social security, social
aid, and medical care.
Article 12 [Arab Heritage]
The State safeguards the heritage of Islam and of the Arabs and contributes to the furtherance of human civilisation.
Article 13 [Education]
Education is a fundamental requisite for the progress of society, assured and promoted by the State.
Article 14 [Science, Arts]
The State shall promote science, letters, and the arts and encourage scientific research therein.
Article 15 [Health Care]
The State cares for public health and for means of prevention and treatment of diseases and epidemics.
Article 16 [Property Rights]
Property, capital, and work are fundamental constituents of the social structure of the State and of the national wealth. All of them are
individual rights with a social function as regulated by law.
Article 17 [Public Property]
Public property is inviolable and its protection is the duty of every citizen.
Article 18 [Private Property, Inheritance]
(1) Private property is inviolable. No one shall be prevented from disposing of his property except within the limits of the law. No
property shall be expropriated except for the public benefit under the circumstances and in the manner specified by law, and on condition
that just compensation is paid.
(2) Inheritance is a right governed by the Islamic Sharia.
Article 19 [Confiscation]
General confiscation of the property of any person shall be prohibited. Confiscation of particular property as a penalty may not be inflicted
except by court judgment in the circumstances specified by law.
Article 20 [National Economy]
The national economy shall be based on social justice. It is founded on fair co-operation between public and private activities. Its aim shall
be economic development, increase of productivity, improvement of the standard of living, and achievement of prosperity for citizens, all
within the limits of the law.
Article 21 [Natural Resources]
Natural resources and all revenues therefrom are the property of the State. It shall ensure their preservation and proper exploitation, due
regard being given to the requirements of State security and the national economy.
Article 22 [Employment, Tenements]
Relations between employers and employees and between landlords and tenants shall be regulated by law on economic principles, due
regard being given to the rules of social justice.
Article 23 [Banking]
The State shall encourage both co-operative activities and savings, and supervise the system of credit.
Article 24 [Taxation]
Social justice shall be the basis of taxes and public imposts.
Article 25 [State Burdens]
The State shall ensure the solidarity of society in shouldering burdens resulting from public disasters and calamities, and provide
compensation for war damages or injuries received by any person as a result of the discharge of his military duties.
Article 26 [Public Office]
(1) Public office is a national service entrusted to those who hold it. Public officials, in the exercise of their duties, shall aim at the public
interest.
(2) Aliens may not hold public offices except in the cases specified by law.
Part III Public Rights and Duties
Article 27 [Nationality]
Kuwaiti nationality is defined by law. No deprivation or withdrawal of nationality may be effected except within the limits prescribed by
law.
Article 28 [Deportation, Return]
No Kuwaiti may be deported from Kuwait or prevented from returning thereto.
Article 29 [Equality, Human Dignity, Personal Liberty]
(1) All people are equal in human dignity and in public rights and duties before the law, without distinction to race, origin, language, or
religion.
(2) Personal liberty is guaranteed.
Article 30 {...}
Article 31 [Arrest, Move, No Torture]
(1) No person shall be arrested, detained, searched, or compelled to reside in a specified place, nor shall the residence of any person or his
liberty to choose his place of residence or his liberty of movement be restricted, except in accordance with the provisions of the law.
(2) No person shall be subjected to torture or to degrading treatment.
Article 32 [Nulla Poena Sine Lege, Personal Penalty]
(1) No crime and no penalty may be established except by virtue of law, and no penalty may be imposed except for offences committed
after the relevant law has come into force.
(2) Penalty is personal.
Article 33 {...}
Article 34 [Presumption of Innocence, Right to Trial]
(1) An accused person is presumed innocent until proved guilty in a legal trial at which the necessary guarantees for the exercise of the
right of defence are secured.
(2) The infliction of physical or moral injury on an accused person is prohibited.
Article 35 [Freedom of Religion and Belief]
Freedom of belief is absolute. The State protects the freedom of practicing religion in accordance with established customs, provided that
it does not conflict with public policy or morals.
Article 36 [Freedom of Opinion and Expression]
Freedom of opinion and of scientific research is guaranteed. Every person has the right to express and propagate his opinion verbally, in
writing, or otherwise, in accordance with the conditions and procedures specified by law.
Article 37 [Freedom of the Press]
Freedom of the press, printing, and publishing is guaranteed in accordance with the conditions and manner specified by law.
Article 38 [Home]
Places of residence shall be inviolable. They may not be entered without the permission of their occupants except in the circumstances
and manner specified by law.
Article 39 [Freedom and Secrecy of Communication]
Freedom of communication by post, telegraph, and telephone and the secrecy thereof is guaranteed; accordingly, censorship of
communications and disclosure of their contents are not permitted except in the circumstances and manner specified by law.
Article 40 [Compulsory and Free Education]
(1) Education is a right for Kuwaitis, guaranteed by the State in accordance with law and within the limits of public policy and morals.
Education in its preliminary stages is compulsory and free in accordance with the law.
(2) The law lays down the necessary plan to eliminate illiteracy.
(3) The State devotes particular care to the physical, moral, and mental development of the youth.
Article 41 [Right and Duty to Work]
(1) Every Kuwaiti has the right to work and to choose the type of his work.
(2) Work is a duty of every citizen necessitated by personal dignity and public good. The State shall endeavour to make it available to
citizens and to make its terms equitable.
Article 42 [No Forced Labor]
There is no forced labor except in the cases specified by law for national emergency and with just remuneration.
Article 43 [Association]
Freedom to form associations and unions on a national basis and by peaceful means is guaranteed in accordance with the conditions and
manner specified by law. No one may be compelled to join any association or union.
Article 44 [Assembly]
(1) Individuals have the right of private assembly without permission or prior notification, and the police may not attend such private
meetings.
(2) Public meetings, demonstrations, and gatherings are permitted in accordance with the conditions and manner specified by law,
provided that their purpose and means are peaceful and not contrary to morals.
Article 45 [Petition]
Every individual has the right to address the public authorities in writing over his signature. Only duly constituted organizations and bodies
corporate have the right to address the authorities collectively.
Article 46 [Asylum]
Extradition of political refugees is prohibited.
Article 47 [National Defence, Military Service]
National defence is a sacred duty, and military service is an honor for citizens which shall be regulated by law.
Article 48 [Taxation, Minimum Standard of Living]
Payment of taxes and public imposts is a duty in accordance with the law which regulates exemption of small incomes from taxes in such
a way as to maintain the minimum standard of living.
Article 49 [Public Order, Public Morals]
Observance of public order and respect for public morals are a duty incumbent upon all inhabitants of Kuwait.
Article 7 [State Goals]
Justice, Liberty, and Equality are the pillars of society; co-operation and mutual help are the firmest bonds between citizens.
Article 8 [Guardian State]
The State safeguards the pillars of Society and ensures security, tranquility, and equal opportunities for citizens.
Article 9 [Family]
The family is the corner-stone of Society. It is founded on religion, morality, and patriotism. Law shall preserve the integrity of the family,
strengthen its ties, and protect under its support motherhood and childhood.
Article 10 [Youth Protection]
The State cares for the young and protects them from exploitation and from moral, physical, and spiritual neglect.
Article 11 [Old Age Protection]
The State ensures aid for citizens in old age, sickness, or inability to work. It also provides them with services of social security, social
aid, and medical care.
Article 12 [Arab Heritage]
The State safeguards the heritage of Islam and of the Arabs and contributes to the furtherance of human civilisation.
Article 13 [Education]
Education is a fundamental requisite for the progress of society, assured and promoted by the State.
Article 14 [Science, Arts]
The State shall promote science, letters, and the arts and encourage scientific research therein.
Article 15 [Health Care]
The State cares for public health and for means of prevention and treatment of diseases and epidemics.
Article 16 [Property Rights]
Property, capital, and work are fundamental constituents of the social structure of the State and of the national wealth. All of them are
individual rights with a social function as regulated by law.
Article 17 [Public Property]
Public property is inviolable and its protection is the duty of every citizen.
Article 18 [Private Property, Inheritance]
(1) Private property is inviolable. No one shall be prevented from disposing of his property except within the limits of the law. No
property shall be expropriated except for the public benefit under the circumstances and in the manner specified by law, and on condition
that just compensation is paid.
(2) Inheritance is a right governed by the Islamic Sharia.
Article 19 [Confiscation]
General confiscation of the property of any person shall be prohibited. Confiscation of particular property as a penalty may not be inflicted
except by court judgment in the circumstances specified by law.
Article 20 [National Economy]
The national economy shall be based on social justice. It is founded on fair co-operation between public and private activities. Its aim shall
be economic development, increase of productivity, improvement of the standard of living, and achievement of prosperity for citizens, all
within the limits of the law.
Article 21 [Natural Resources]
Natural resources and all revenues therefrom are the property of the State. It shall ensure their preservation and proper exploitation, due
regard being given to the requirements of State security and the national economy.
Article 22 [Employment, Tenements]
Relations between employers and employees and between landlords and tenants shall be regulated by law on economic principles, due
regard being given to the rules of social justice.
Article 23 [Banking]
The State shall encourage both co-operative activities and savings, and supervise the system of credit.
Article 24 [Taxation]
Social justice shall be the basis of taxes and public imposts.
Article 25 [State Burdens]
The State shall ensure the solidarity of society in shouldering burdens resulting from public disasters and calamities, and provide
compensation for war damages or injuries received by any person as a result of the discharge of his military duties.
Article 26 [Public Office]
(1) Public office is a national service entrusted to those who hold it. Public officials, in the exercise of their duties, shall aim at the public
interest.
(2) Aliens may not hold public offices except in the cases specified by law.
Part III Public Rights and Duties
Article 27 [Nationality]
Kuwaiti nationality is defined by law. No deprivation or withdrawal of nationality may be effected except within the limits prescribed by
law.
Article 28 [Deportation, Return]
No Kuwaiti may be deported from Kuwait or prevented from returning thereto.
Article 29 [Equality, Human Dignity, Personal Liberty]
(1) All people are equal in human dignity and in public rights and duties before the law, without distinction to race, origin, language, or
religion.
(2) Personal liberty is guaranteed.
Article 30 {...}
Article 31 [Arrest, Move, No Torture]
(1) No person shall be arrested, detained, searched, or compelled to reside in a specified place, nor shall the residence of any person or his
liberty to choose his place of residence or his liberty of movement be restricted, except in accordance with the provisions of the law.
(2) No person shall be subjected to torture or to degrading treatment.
Article 32 [Nulla Poena Sine Lege, Personal Penalty]
(1) No crime and no penalty may be established except by virtue of law, and no penalty may be imposed except for offences committed
after the relevant law has come into force.
(2) Penalty is personal.
Article 33 {...}
Article 34 [Presumption of Innocence, Right to Trial]
(1) An accused person is presumed innocent until proved guilty in a legal trial at which the necessary guarantees for the exercise of the
right of defence are secured.
(2) The infliction of physical or moral injury on an accused person is prohibited.
Article 35 [Freedom of Religion and Belief]
Freedom of belief is absolute. The State protects the freedom of practicing religion in accordance with established customs, provided that
it does not conflict with public policy or morals.
Article 36 [Freedom of Opinion and Expression]
Freedom of opinion and of scientific research is guaranteed. Every person has the right to express and propagate his opinion verbally, in
writing, or otherwise, in accordance with the conditions and procedures specified by law.
Article 37 [Freedom of the Press]
Freedom of the press, printing, and publishing is guaranteed in accordance with the conditions and manner specified by law.
Article 38 [Home]
Places of residence shall be inviolable. They may not be entered without the permission of their occupants except in the circumstances
and manner specified by law.
Article 39 [Freedom and Secrecy of Communication]
Freedom of communication by post, telegraph, and telephone and the secrecy thereof is guaranteed; accordingly, censorship of
communications and disclosure of their contents are not permitted except in the circumstances and manner specified by law.
Article 40 [Compulsory and Free Education]
(1) Education is a right for Kuwaitis, guaranteed by the State in accordance with law and within the limits of public policy and morals.
Education in its preliminary stages is compulsory and free in accordance with the law.
(2) The law lays down the necessary plan to eliminate illiteracy.
(3) The State devotes particular care to the physical, moral, and mental development of the youth.
Article 41 [Right and Duty to Work]
(1) Every Kuwaiti has the right to work and to choose the type of his work.
(2) Work is a duty of every citizen necessitated by personal dignity and public good. The State shall endeavour to make it available to
citizens and to make its terms equitable.
Article 42 [No Forced Labor]
There is no forced labor except in the cases specified by law for national emergency and with just remuneration.
Article 43 [Association]
Freedom to form associations and unions on a national basis and by peaceful means is guaranteed in accordance with the conditions and
manner specified by law. No one may be compelled to join any association or union.
Article 44 [Assembly]
(1) Individuals have the right of private assembly without permission or prior notification, and the police may not attend such private
meetings.
(2) Public meetings, demonstrations, and gatherings are permitted in accordance with the conditions and manner specified by law,
provided that their purpose and means are peaceful and not contrary to morals.
Article 45 [Petition]
Every individual has the right to address the public authorities in writing over his signature. Only duly constituted organizations and bodies
corporate have the right to address the authorities collectively.
Article 46 [Asylum]
Extradition of political refugees is prohibited.
Article 47 [National Defence, Military Service]
National defence is a sacred duty, and military service is an honor for citizens which shall be regulated by law.
Article 48 [Taxation, Minimum Standard of Living]
Payment of taxes and public imposts is a duty in accordance with the law which regulates exemption of small incomes from taxes in such
a way as to maintain the minimum standard of living.
Article 49 [Public Order, Public Morals]
Observance of public order and respect for public morals are a duty incumbent upon all inhabitants of Kuwait.
Greeks under the command of Alexander The Great first settled the island of Failaka in the
Persian Gulf naming it Ikaros where it is believed Icarus was buried and for whom the name
Kuwait was derived. Modern day Kuwait was founded in the early 18th century by Anaiza
Arab clans who migrated to the Persian Gulf from the central region of the Arabian Peninsula
for the purposes of establishing a port to capitalize on the caravan trade. This lucrative
trade brought wealth and contests for power among wealthy families, As a means of
establishing peace, 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. Britain
established trade in 1775 and developed an exclusive relationship of intercession on behalf
of Kuwait with foreign powers in 1899. After World War I, Kuwait became an "independent
sheikhdom under British protectorate" and fully independent on 19 June 1961 with an
exchange of letters with the United Kingdom and promulgation of a constitution on 11
November 1962. Human rights are enumerated beginning with Part II (Fundamental
Constituents of Kuwaiti Society) and conform with the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human
Rights of which Kuwait is a signatory. For a full English translation of Kuwait's Constitution,
click here.
Persian Gulf naming it Ikaros where it is believed Icarus was buried and for whom the name
Kuwait was derived. Modern day Kuwait was founded in the early 18th century by Anaiza
Arab clans who migrated to the Persian Gulf from the central region of the Arabian Peninsula
for the purposes of establishing a port to capitalize on the caravan trade. This lucrative
trade brought wealth and contests for power among wealthy families, As a means of
establishing peace, 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. Britain
established trade in 1775 and developed an exclusive relationship of intercession on behalf
of Kuwait with foreign powers in 1899. After World War I, Kuwait became an "independent
sheikhdom under British protectorate" and fully independent on 19 June 1961 with an
exchange of letters with the United Kingdom and promulgation of a constitution on 11
November 1962. Human rights are enumerated beginning with Part II (Fundamental
Constituents of Kuwaiti Society) and conform with the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human
Rights of which Kuwait is a signatory. For a full English translation of Kuwait's Constitution,
click here.