Kuwait presents national efforts on women’s protection, equality to UN
Reem Al-Salem, the UN Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls, praised Kuwait’s recent legislative amendments, saying they show the country’s commitment to justice reform and protecting vulnerable groups.
• Dr. Amthal Al-Huwailah, Minister of Social Affairs, Family and Childhood Affairs, stressed the importance of ensuring comprehensive support in line with Kuwait’s commitment to advancing women’s rights.
• Assistant Foreign Minister for Human Rights Affairs Ambassador Sheikha Jawaher Al-Duaij outlined Kuwait’s ongoing efforts to support and empower women across multiple sectors and stressed that Kuwait remains committed to combating all forms of violence and discrimination against women.
Dr. Amthal Al-Huwailah, Minister of Social Affairs, Family and Childhood Affairs, met with UN Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls, Reem Al-Salem, to discuss issues of mutual concern, Al Rai newspaper reported.
Al-Huwailah said the meeting reviewed Kuwait’s national efforts to protect women and enhance the services provided to them, adding that it was an opportunity to highlight achievements made across different groups of women.
She noted that the discussions also included a presentation on national initiatives to improve social services for women and stressed the importance of ensuring comprehensive support in line with Kuwait’s commitment to advancing women’s rights.
In the same context, Minister of Justice Counselor Nasser Al-Sumait held discussions with Reem Al-Salem, the UN Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls, on the latest developments regarding women’s protection in Kuwait. In a statement, the Ministry of Justice said that Counselor Al-Sumait reviewed national efforts to promote women’s rights, highlighting the legislative and procedural measures introduced to shield them from various forms of violence.
Al-Salem welcomed these efforts and praised the recent legislative amendments adopted by Kuwait, particularly those related to the Penal Code, noting that they reflect Kuwait’s commitment to strengthening its justice system and safeguarding vulnerable groups.
Similarly, Assistant Foreign Minister for Human Rights Affairs Ambassador Sheikha Jawaher Al-Duaij met with Al-Salem to outline Kuwait’s ongoing efforts to support and empower women across multiple sectors. She stressed that Kuwait remains committed to combating all forms of violence and discrimination against women.
Sheikha Jawaher explained that during her meeting, she briefed Al-Salem on the accomplishments of Kuwaiti women across diverse fields, where they now serve alongside their male counterparts. These include positions in the diplomatic corps, security and police services, the judiciary, the public prosecution, as well as contributions in sports and youth development.
She added that Kuwait had prepared a comprehensive program for the Special Rapporteur’s visit, which featured a series of field tours to key institutions. These included visits to the correctional institution, the women’s prison, police stations, the deportation center, the shelter for female workers, the family court, and the child protection office.
Meanwhile, Al-Salem also met with leaders of the Central Agency for Illegal Residents. According to a statement issued by the agency, discussions focused on the initiatives taken to protect women and girls from violence, measures to empower them, and the facilities and services available to this category.
The agency presented a detailed visual report supported by statistics, outlining the benefits, services, and opportunities provided to illegal residents in both public and private sectors since the agency’s establishment. The statement reaffirmed the agency’s full commitment to upholding human dignity and protecting the rights of women and girls in line with international standards and conventions.
