HUMAN RIGHTS COMMITTEE CONSIDERS THE REPORT OF KUWAIT

The Human Rights Committee today concluded its consideration of the third periodic report of Kuwait on its implementation of the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

Presenting the report, Jamal M. Alghunaim, Permanent Representative of Kuwait to the United Nations Office at Geneva, noted that Kuwait was a small country which nonetheless openly welcomed foreigners. The number of migrant workers stood at 1.5 million, representing two thirds of the overall population. The Government had worked to improve the working conditions of those migrant workers. Kuwait had made a lot of efforts to promote and protect human rights, going beyond the Covenant provisions, and in spite of the ongoing war against Da’esh in the region.

In the ensuing discussion, Committee Experts paid particular attention to the issues of criminalization of same-sex relations, nationality laws and naturalization of the so-called “bidoons” (stateless residents), legislative discrimination against women, and the unsatisfactory representation of women in political, social and economic life. Other issues raised by Experts included the lack of moratorium on the death penalty, abortion provisions, allegations of torture, independence of the judiciary and foreign judges, the sponsorship system and foreign domestic workers, conscientious objection to the military service, the shrinking space for criticism of the Government and the freedom of expression and assembly.

In his concluding remarks, Mr. Alghunaim urged the Committee Experts to bear in mind the colossal security concerns faced by Kuwait. The country was not an island and it was affected by the situation in the region. He noted that the Government would make the most of the Committee Experts’ comments.

Yuji Iwasawa, Committee Vice Chairperson, expressed appreciation for the delegation’s candor in answering the Committee’s questions. He reminded that the purpose of the dialogue was not to compare countries, but to hold a constructive dialogue in order to help State parties to implement the provisions of the Covenant.

The delegation of Kuwait included representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour, and the Permanent Mission of Kuwait to the United Nations Office at Geneva.

The Committee will next meet in public today at 3 p.m. to consider the second periodic report of Kazakhstan (CCPR/C/KAZ/2).

Report

The third periodic report of Kuwait can be found here: CCPR/C/KWT/3.

Presentation of the Report

JAMAL M. ALGHUNAIM, Permanent Representative of Kuwait to the United Nations Office at Geneva, thanked the Committee for its efforts to promote and protect human rights. Some challenges remained in Kuwait, but that did not mean the country was not moving ahead. The Covenant was part of Kuwait’s domestic legislation. Kuwait did, however, have reservations on Article 25 of the Covenant, which referred to limiting candidacy for the military and police only to men. In May 2015, the Government had withdrawn reservations pertaining to only men having the right to vote. A ministerial decree of 2015 stipulated a human rights office as a contact point for non-governmental organizations. To promote the rights of the child, a children’s office had been established. Women played a special role in the Kuwait society and enjoyed all rights pursuant to Islam. The Government had done everything to ensure that women fully enjoyed their rights, and the country had acceded to the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women in 1994. Women occupied key posts within the state administration. As for their role in the employment sector, women held 48.5 per cent of jobs in the private sector, and 45.5 per cent in the public sector. The Employment Law of 2010 conferred protection and certain privileges to women, specifically on gender parity. Women could not work at night and could not occupy dangerous posts. Particular attention was given to the family law and a family court had been set up, looking at issues such as wages, divorce, childcare, child custody and alimony in case of divorce. Particular importance had been given to children’s rights, and Kuwait had ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which was transposed into domestic law.

Free healthcare services were provided citizens. The Ministry of Health had been working on a bill on mental health and patient care. Based on transparency and respect for human rights, Kuwait’s regulations governing places of detention guaranteed decent life for detainees. A visit by the International Committee of the Red Cross to Kuwait’s prisons, as well as visits by civil society organizations had testified to that. Kuwait offered free environment with cultural diversity, with more than 17 public interest associations, more than 30 magazines and some 15 television channels. The country was the second in transparency in the region and the first according to the freedom of the media. Media could only be shut down upon a court ruling. Individuals were not prosecuted unless they had committed a criminal offence. They could refer matters to the Constitutional Court directly. Freedom of expression for journalists and activists, as well as for any individual, was guaranteed. However, there were some limitations on the grounds of national security.

Numerous international human rights organizations, such as Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, had been welcomed in the country. Kuwait was a small country, but it nonetheless welcomed foreigners. The number of migrant workers stood at 1.5 million, representing two thirds of the overall population. The Government had worked to improve working conditions of those migrant workers. Kuwait had made a lot of effort to promote and protect human rights, going beyond the Covenant provisions, and in spite of the ongoing war against Da’esh in the region. Human rights training had been very intensive in the country. In 2015, the country’s literacy rate had stood at 98 per cent. During its latest Universal Periodic Review, Kuwait had accepted all recommendations, stressed Mr. Alghunaim.

Questions by Experts

One Expert asked whether the Covenant had precedence over domestic laws, including sharia law. Did Kuwait plan to withdraw its reservation to Article 25? The same Expert asked the State party to provide updated information on examples of cases in which provisions of the Covenant had been referred to by national courts. It seemed that the provisions of the Covenant were not well-known among civil society, and that there had been a severe lack of training about the Covenant among judges and judicial officers.

He commended the fact that Kuwait had established a national human rights institution in 2015. Was gender balance respected, and what were the powers of the institution? What were its achievements and did it prepare annual reports?

With regard to the explanations of the reservations to Covenant articles, what did Kuwait mean by saying that articles would be applied in the context of its national law and without limits? In the case of a marriage of non-Muslim expats and nationals, did sharia law apply?

The State party was asked to indicate steps taken to adopt comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation that addressed discrimination in all spheres. The Criminal Law stipulated clear cut punishment for religious discrimination, which was different vis-à-vis other cases of discrimination.

What hampered the naturalization of the so-called “bidoons” (stateless residents), aske an Expert. At the same time, many other foreigners were naturalized. What were the requirements to grant foreign residents citizenship? What were the differences between various residence permits, and who were illegal expats?

As for the decriminalization of same-sex relations, the State party addressed the issue in pretty stark terms. One Expert reminded the delegation that for the persons of the same-sex orientation that was not a choice any more than the color of their skin or the place of their birth. The issue of arbitrary detentions, arrests and beatings of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intrasex persons had not been addressed by the State party. Some of the incidents had been the result of the 2007 legislation that criminalized imitation of the opposite sex. Had there been any prosecutions for the imitation of the opposite sex and with what kinds of penalties? What measures had been taken against those who harassed persons of non-conformist sexual orientation?

The State party had not responded to the allegations of torture in police custody, the number of cases, remedies provided to victims and measures taken against those who engaged in torture. Those reports had been increasing in the past several months, as part of the anti-terrorist measures.

As for police custody and detention, the Committee had previously expressed concern over how long it took for someone to be brought in front of court from the police custody. The Committee was under the impression that the State party would limit the custody detention. What had happened to that in the meantime? To what other jurisdictions could detainees be taken? At what point did the judiciary intervene, and was it true that the lawyer could be present during the proceedings, but could not have any communication with the client?

Regarding the detention of persons who awaited deportation, questions was asked on what happened to those persons who could not be deported for various reasons. What was the difference between administrative deportation and judicial deportation? What was the actual population of each detention centre in Kuwait? Was it true that there was no separate detention center for minors, asked the Expert.

Another Expert raised the issue of non-discrimination and equality between women and men. The Committee had previously expressed concern that the rights of women were influenced by discriminatory legal provisions, such as the transfer of nationality, age of marriage, inheritance, the status of their testimony in front of courts and many other issues. Did the discrimination regarding the non-transmission of Kuwait nationality through women still remain in national laws? Was there any initiative to raise public awareness to eradicate polygamy? The minimum age of marriage for women was 15 and 17 for men. Divorce proceedings were more difficult for women because the law required them to give up child custody. Women also had to have a male custodian during those proceedings? Testimonies of women in court had less value than those of men. Were any steps taken to amend that legislation? The Kuwait Penal Code reduced the capital sentence to a misdemeanor for any man who caught his wife, sister or cousin in the act of adultery and killed her. Was that provision still in force?

As for the representation of women in political, social and economic life, the Expert said that the rights of women were still not satisfactory, namely when it came to the participation in the judiciary, public and political life, employment and gender pay gap. There was only one female Minister, whereas there were no female Members of Parliament. What initiatives were planned by the State party to increase female participation in public and political life?

It was unclear to what extent Kuwait maintained a de facto moratorium on the death penalty. The authorities were currently seeking the death penalty for 11 persons. The delegation was asked to explain the reasons for the apparent recent tendency towards the death penalty. The Committee was also concerned about a large number of offences for which the death penalty was considered. Was there any plan to review legislation to limit the number of offences for which the death penalty would be handed down? What was the minimum age set for the carrying out the death penalty - 16 or 18?

On violence against women and children, namely the criminalization of domestic violence and marital rape, a Committee Expert asked for relevant statistics on the number of convictions and on the types of penalties for perpetrators. He asked for further information on harsher penalties and specific measures to deal with domestic violence. As for violence against children, a set of measures had been set out by the State party. However, statistics on how children were dealt with and provided shelters.

In line with a 2013 law, Kuwait had introduced a mandatory collection of DNA samples. Was that measure proportionate and reasonable, even in the context of terrorist threats? Was there any monitoring of what happened to those DNA samples after the collection?

Another Expert commended the introduction of abortion provisions in the Criminal Code, noting that Kuwait was one of the first regional countries to adopt waivers to the ban on abortion. Were there statistics on the number of accepted and rejected abortion applications, as well as figures on clandestine abortions? What happened to women who became pregnant outside of marriage, or to pregnant migrant women? Why did the law require that the three doctors reviewing abortion applications had to be Muslim?

Replies by the Delegation

JAMAL M. ALGHUNAIM, Permanent Representative of Kuwait to the United Nations Office at Geneva, explained that Kuwait did not pretend to be perfect because it was in a specific regional context, which had repercussions on the ground. It noted that the dialogue with the Committee was an opportunity to shed light on some matters that might have been distorted. There were more than one hundred nationalities living in the country.

As for the precedence of the Covenant over domestic laws, the Constitution stipulated that international conventions ratified by the country were part and parcel of Kuwait’s regulations and laws. Thus, all State institutions and agencies should abide by them. The Covenant was hence part of the national legislative system, which judges should implement. That was not in contradictory to the Sharia law, which was the source of the national law. With respect to recent references the Covenant, Kuwait provided information on two decisions of the Court of Cassation, which were based on the Covenant. They related to the limits to the freedom of expression in cases of defamation and damage to honor. As for raising awareness among judges and police on the content of the Covenant, workshops and trainings had been held.

On setting up a national inter-ministerial office for human rights, the delegation informed that a law had been passed in fall and it featured all the mechanisms to make the office in line with international standards and the Paris Principles. With respect to female participation in the judiciary, a ministerial decision had been adopted to employ 22 women as prosecutors.

Illegal expats were those who resided in clandestine conditions. Their presence in Kuwait could be explained by the fact that they had had access through neighboring countries in search of better jobs. Some of them might have renounced their previous nationality in order to obtain a Kuwaiti citizenship. A supreme body was established in 2010 to deal with that issue. Some 6,000 had been granted a nationality, and a bill had been passed to naturalize around 50,000 persons in 2016 alone. Around 30,000 passports had been issued to allow for freedom of movement. Such persons may have access to justice and could not be expelled under legislation from 2014. Even though many of those persons kept their original citizenship secret in order to gain benefits in Kuwait, the Government had not expelled them. As for social rights of such persons, the Supreme Body had issued 90,000 documents to that end.

Explaining the difference between yellow and blue residence cards, the delegation explained that the latter was granted to those who had requested a passport. Illegal residents were granted a full range of humanitarian, civil and social benefits and facilities, such as access to education and healthcare, in addition to other services provided by the State. Kuwait recognized that such persons were present and the Government decided to deal with the issue in a dignified manner. The only way to solve the problem was through consultation.

Regarding decriminalization of same-sex relations and sexual identity, it was explained that the state religion of Islam governed a wide range of issues. There was a religious aspect of sexual identity. There was also a social aspect which rejected same-sex relations. As for the academic point of view, the approach towards sexual identity was based on the pan-Arabic values of Islam. If persons practiced same-sex relations in public, that was where the criminalization aspect came in. Kuwait’s philosophy was based on the universality of human rights. The structures used were based on knowledge, values, trends and identity. Education of children and young people had to encompass an awareness of the broad range of human rights. Books were published in English and Arabic on human rights in order to raise awareness. There was no international agreement that specified sexual identity. There was no clear and precise reference in the Covenant that identified that phenomenon. The Covenant stipulated equality between women and men, but it did not speak of any other rights. According to the Covenant, the family was composed of a man and a woman.

There had been constant efforts to combat violence against children in Kuwait. The legislation of 2015 banned violence against children, and it provided for the establishment of child centres in all governorates. Children could submit anonymous complaints to the authorities through a hotline. Training was available for the rehabilitation of children. As for the detention of minors, according to 2011 legislation they were held in one of the five special centres for minors.

The delegation confirmed that there was a moratorium on the death penalty, but the Government did not intend to abolish the capital punishment. It was up to the head of the State to decide so. The death penalty was to be carried out only for acts that merited such severity. Persons suffering psychological and mental difficulties were spared, as well as those who cared for family, for example pregnant women. Amnesty or commutation of sentence could be requested from the Court of Appeals. Capital punishment was suspended until all remedies had been exhausted, and it could be carried out only after His Majesty had confirmed it. There was no international commitment that prohibited capital punishment. Since 2011, only three very dangerous persons had been executed in Kuwait.


Addressing the question on legislative discrimination against women in employment, marriage, divorce, housing, inheritance and allowance, the delegation said that revisions were drawn from the Sharia, according to which family was favoured. There could be no marriage without the consent of both parties. There had to be equality for women and they had to be free to choose their spouse. Women were granted many advantages, such as the right to social benefits even if they were well off. According to the Personal Status Code, the man could not live with any other woman or children. Testimony of women in front of courts was given priority in child custody cases.

It was true that the Sharia law recognized polygamy. However, the man had to be fair on all accounts. If that condition was not met, he could not have more than one wife. It was true that men inherited more than women because men had greater marital responsibilities. Women had the right to manage their own finances and assets.

As for divorce, it was explained that women could ask for separation for a number of reasons, and they could ask for the annulment of marriage on any ground. There was a rule issued by the Family Court to expedite women’s matters and affairs. Women could also turn to the Court of Appeal. There was no discrimination of women with respect to housing and housing loans. Regarding nationality, men and women were treated in the same way. Any child born in Kuwait, or abroad to Kuwaiti parents, would be granted the nationality. There were some exceptions if a child was born to an unknown father.

There were only seven or eight recorded cases of violence against women. A free phone line had been established to allow women to report such cases. A law had been adopted to allow women to have recourse to justice for women. The Ministry of Justice had set up a committee to review and amend the law to ensure that there was capacity-building and trainings for to improve the protection of women against violence, and to fight discrimination of women.

Human rights had been introduced as part of school curricula. There was a human rights institution, and prison officials and staff had to follow courses on human rights. The Ministry of the Interior worked with the Red Cross to provide human rights courses.

As for the difference between administrative expulsion and judicial expulsion, the delegation clarified that the first one offered swifter results. It was well governed and regulated. Those who spent 30 days in a status of expulsion had to take appropriate measures. The imprisonment of women was not a major concern because only 400 were currently imprisoned. Prisons were compliant with human rights standards. The Government endeavored to reduce the number of prisoners in cells. It had worked with the Red Cross in order to oversee and improve conditions in prisons. A parliamentary commission conducted regular visits to prisons to monitor conditions, as well as non-governmental organizations and the Red Cross. There were efforts to exchange detainees with different countries. Prisoners were divided into four categories, in line with the Covenant.

Due to terrorist threats, a law had been passed to collect finger prints of everyone in the country. The database could not be disclosed without a necessary court warrant. Those who did so were sentenced to three years of prison.

As for torture allegations and inhumane treatment of detainees, the delegation said that a very rigorous oversight system was used in prisons and detention centers. The Ministry of the Interior had taken the necessary steps against its staff who engaged in torture. They were tried and convicted. Further guarantees were given to detainees. A person should not be detained without an order from the prosecutor, and could not be detained for longer than 48 hours.


Questions by Experts

One Expert raised the issue of independence of the judiciary. Information was asked on the independence of contractual judges in Kuwait. How many of judges in the higher Appellate Court were Kuwaiti and how many were foreigners?

Administrative removal was not subject to judicial review. Was it true that the age of criminal responsibility had been raised to 15? The Expert also asked for more information on the bill on the establishment of a framework to regulate the activities of political parties.

Another Expert inquired about the passing of nationality from a Kuwaiti woman to her child. What were the exceptions and what were the terms and conditions for the access to nationality? Were there legal steps to deprive a person of nationality and were there possibilities for an appeal?

It would be interesting to know more about the recent three cases for which the death penalty had been carried out, said the Expert. What was the minimum age for handing down the death penalty?

He underlined the sponsorship system and its effect on discrimination of migrant workers, especially of domestic workers, and measures to combat human trafficking. The sponsorship system made migrant workers dependent on their employer. A labour inspection was necessary to remedy problems. What were the powers of the Ministry of Labour in recruiting migrant workers? There was a lack of specific legislation to protect migrant workers and domestic workers from the abuses by employers. There had been reports of certain abuse migrant workers suffered by the police and immigration authorities. Information was asked about prosecution and punishment of such abuses.

With respect to human trafficking, had the strategy on human trafficking been adopted and how would it remedy the situation? What were the overall statistics on trafficking of women for sexual exploitation? What was the number of prosecutions?

Regarding asylum and treatment of refugees, an Expert noted that there was a prohibition of refoulement under the Kuwait Constitution. However, Kuwait did not have its asylum legislation fully in line with international standards. What were the rules to protect asylum seekers and refugees from labour exploitation, trafficking and smuggling?

An Expert applauded the transparency of the State party when discussing the prison system, and sincerity about the issue of overcrowding. As for the conscientious objection to the military service, to what extent would the State party be ready to recognize the right to alternative service? In the case of war, there was no such alternative.

On offending religious beliefs, what kinds of proceedings had been taken towards attacks and insults to non-Islamic religious beliefs, or across the Muslim community? As for the authorization to build places of worship, could denominations other than Islamic, Christian and Jewish receive such authorization?

The space for criticism of State authorities had significantly decreased. An “iron fist policy” towards critics of the Head of State and the royal family had been conducted, and various critics had been imprisoned. Article 12 on the freedom of assembly had been stricken down. Some laws were not entirely in line with the articles of the Constitution, namely when dealing with unauthorized demonstration. Since 2011, many demonstrations had been disbanded with the use of force, whereas some demonstrators were still in prison. Journalists had the same faith. Non-Kuwaiti nationals did not have the right to participate in demonstrations, which meant that about half of the country’s population could not enjoy that right.

Naturalized persons were deprived of their right to vote or to be elected for office. How were those measures consistent with the provisions of the Covenant, and did Kuwait intend to review those measures?

Turning to the participation of civil society in the drafting of the report, question was asked on whether the public informed about the drafting of the third periodic report and had there been any public consultations? How was the information from non-governmental organizations received? There had been some information that civil society representatives from Kuwait feared reprisals from the authorities if they travelled to Geneva to attend consideration of Kuwait’s reports.

The minimum age of marriage in Kuwait was 15 for girls and 17 for boys. Why could the the minimum age of marriage not be raised in line with the international human rights standards?

Speaking of the role of the Sharia in legislation, one Expert reminded that the Sharia was in the service of individuals. It was also subject to constant interpretations of the changing life circumstances. Previously women could not hold administrative positions, participate in political life and receive any compensation. The Sharia was evolving and nobody could prevent that. Polygamy had been prohibited in some countries and no one was saying that it was contrary to the Sharia.

As for homosexuality, it was a social phenomenon that had always existed. Thus, a question was posed how to deal with that phenomenon: by criminalizing and punishing it, or by taking a different approach? It was necessary to consider what science said about that phenomenon. Criminalization was not the best way to deal with homosexuality.

Another Expert reminded the delegation to provide answers to his questions on abortion. He also reminded that the Covenant contained a non-discrimination clause, which referred to a non-exhaustive list of issues.

On the issue of “bidoons” (stateless residents), one Expert noted that the State party’s approach to that problem was not consistent, even though some of the “bidoons” had received documents. Those who remained without adequate documentation were at risk of being excluded from social benefits and expulsion.

Replies by the Delegation

JAMAL M. ALGHUNAIM, Permanent Representative of Kuwait to the United Nations Office at Geneva, denied that there had been any threats of reprisals against civil society representatives who would come to Geneva to attend the consideration of Kuwait’s report. Allegations of the “iron fist” policy by the Ministry of Information towards Government critics were worrying and unfounded. Those allegations were extremely grave. Reminding that Kuwait had tensions with other countries which had their own agenda, Mr. Alghunaim asked the Committee Experts to verify such allegations.

As for the strengthening partnership with civil society, the delegation informed that the Government had organized 17 conferences with civil society in the previous six months.

Kuwaiti laws set some limits to the freedom of expression, but they did not establish any sort of prior oversight. Criminalization did not involve criticism of general policies. In 2012, defamation allegations between individuals had exceeded 7,000 cases, among which 2.6 per cent had been related to defamation against public officials. The victim was the one who chose whether to go in front of a civil court, or to ask for reparation. In the period from 2010 to 2015, Kuwaiti laws had showed very fast progress vis-à-vis the freedom of media. There was a great increase in the number of media outlets, but such freedoms had their limits. There had been many decisions of acquittal in cases of defamation.

With respect to public assemblies, the Constitutional Court had reviewed appeals against the right of assembly. It was necessary to obtain licenses to organize rallies that blocked squares, roads and traffic. According to the Constitutional Court, foreigners who participated in illegal assemblies and rallies could be criminalized.

Citizenship withdrawal was carried out in cases when the higher interests of the country were jeopardized, which meant actions that contravened the public order. Citizenship concerned the legal relationship between individuals and the State, which meant that all countries had the right to adopt their own citizenship laws that matched the local social fabric.

On independence of the judiciary and foreign judges, the delegation explained that the Constitution stipulated that the independence of judges was a guarantee for all rights. The Higher Judiciary Council regulated issues related to the judiciary and it appointed judges. Foreign judges were hired for four years, and their mandate could be renewed for two years. The hiring of foreign judges was determined through bilateral agreements. There were 250 non-Kuwaiti judges out of the 640 judges in total.

As for human trafficking, in 2014 a law that prohibited the smuggling of immigrants had come into force. Victims were transferred to hospitality centers before return to their home country. A committee headed by the Ministry of Justice had been working to draw up a comprehensive strategy to combat human trafficking.

Since Kuwait had been established, it had attracted workers from all countries and a sponsorship system had been set up to guarantee the best employment possibilities and conditions for domestic workers. Various bodies had been established to oversee the conditions of work, recruitment, remittances, transfer of professions, trainings and planning for foreign domestic workers. The oversight of the working conditions was headed by another committee, which conducted unannounced visits and made sure that employers did not confiscate travel documents of foreign workers.

All foreigners were registered in Kuwait, regardless of whether they were irregular or regular residents. However, there were also clandestine persons living in Kuwait.

Regarding criminal responsibility of minors, it was explained that they had no such responsibility under the age of 15. The law provided additional judicial provisions for minors, such as appearing in front of the judge and consulting a psychologist.

In view of the invasion, the military service was a sacred duty and it was underpinned by other legal provisions and conditions. Everyone had to serve in the army if the country was invaded. In other circumstances, there were alternatives to the military service.

Places of worship were guaranteed for all. The law did not prohibit the establishment of places of worship. However, certain size conditions had to be met because Kuwait was such a small country.

If sexual orientation was viewed from a biological point of view, then medical treatment was offered, stated the delegation. However, if it was viewed as a matter of public conduct, then it became unlawful.

As for gender equality, the Parliament had agreed to amend the law to provide women with opportunities for political and social participation. In 2008, women had made up eight per cent of members of the National Council, and in 2012 they had gained additional three seats. Women also had access to ministerial portfolios and were always considered for ministerial posts.

The Constitution did not ban the existence of political parties. Those were involved in designing and drafting of new legislation, and in debating of bills in the Parliament. Political parties were an integral component of the Kuwaiti society.

Concluding Remarks

JAMAL M. ALGHUNAIM, Permanent Representative of Kuwait to the United Nations Office at Geneva, thanked the Committee Experts and welcomed their understanding approach. He also extended thanks to the civil society representatives who had participated in the drafting of the periodic report. The presence of the delegation of Kuwait in Geneva reflected the importance that the Government had given to the United Nations. Mr. Alghunaim urged the Committee Experts to bear in mind the colossal security concerns faced by Kuwait. The country was not an island and it was affected by the situation in the region. The Government would make the most of the Committee Experts’ comments.

YUJI IWASAWA, Committee Vice Chairperson, expressed appreciation for the candor of the delegation of Kuwait. The purpose of the dialogue was not to compare countries, but to have a constructive dialogue in order to help the State parties to implement the provisions of the Covenant. He expressed hope that the delegation of Kuwait would find the Committee’s observations useful.


For use of the information media; not an official record

CT16/019E