Kuwait - Universal Periodic Review

UPR 35, January 29, 2020
Recommendations by Canada

Overview

According to UPR Info, a non-profit, non-governmental organization (NGO) that tracks the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process, in the first two cycles of the UPR, Kuwait received 457 recommendations, of which 306 were accepted (67% acceptance rate). Canada’s previous recommendations to Kuwait were related to women’s rights, strengthening its commitment to international labour standards, and rights for stateless people (Bedoon).

Kuwait has made improvements in its protection and promotion of gender equality since its last UPR, especially with women being elevated to leadership positions. The Cabinet formed in December 2019 had three more women than its predecessor. Notably, a woman was appointed Minister of Finance, a first among countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council.

Although Kuwait has ratified the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, discrimination persists against women in Kuwait’s personal status and family laws. For example, Article 153 of the Kuwaiti Penal Code provides reduced sentences for men who kill women in the name of so-called honor. Kuwait still has no laws prohibiting domestic violence, sexual harassment, or marital rape.

Finally, regularization of the status of the estimated 110,000 stateless Bedoon continues to be unresolved, with an especially severe impact on Bedoon children. In October 2019, the Speaker of the Kuwaiti National Assembly declared that an upcoming bill would provide a comprehensive solution by protecting identity issues while delivering a humanitarian approach that would not deprive any individual of their basic rights, however it has not been adopted yet.

Canada’s Intervention

Thank you, Madame President.

Canada thanks Kuwait for its presentation and commends the steps it has taken to enhance gender equality, including through the appointment of a woman to a senior ministerial position.

Canada recommends that Kuwait:

Take further steps for implementation of legislation and policies to protect women from all forms of violence and ensure the prosecution and punishment of perpetrators of domestic violence and marital rape.

Strengthen actions towards the elimination of discrimination against women, and take further legislative and other steps to enhance women’s rights in accordance with its obligations.  

Ensure that rights afforded to migrant workers are enforced for all categories of migrant workers, including domestic workers.

Ensure equal access to education, healthcare and employment for the Bedoon population is enshrined in legislation.

Canada commends Kuwait on progress it has made in improving the living and working conditions of migrant workers. Canada encourages Kuwait to continue on this path.