Kuwait City: Kuwait and the European Union (EU) convened the fifth round of unofficial human rights dialogue on Tuesday, focusing on developments and strategies to enhance joint cooperation in human rights. The event, held at the Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was marked by a keynote speech from Assistant Foreign Minister for Human Rights, Ambassador Sheikha Jawaher Ibrahim Duaij Al-Sabah, who emphasized the dialogue's significance in reinforcing mutual commitment to human rights collaboration, shared values, and partnership between Kuwait and the EU. According to Kuwait News Agency, Sheikha Jawaher highlighted that Kuwait's hosting of the dialogue reflects its commitment to cooperation, open exchange of views, and active participation in strengthening global human rights principles. She noted that Kuwait has made significant progress in women's empowerment and gender equality, citing the establishment of a national committee by the Foreign Ministry in 2023 to address UN Security Council (UNSC) Resolut ion 1325 on women, peace, and security. She elaborated that this committee is responsible for compiling national reports and creating strategic policies while collaborating with international organizations to enhance women's empowerment and gender equality, in line with the fifth goal of the UN Development Goals. Sheikha Jawaher also referenced the recent "Kuwait Declaration" by GCC leaders, which underscores their commitment to increasing women's involvement in all sectors, reflecting a regional focus on expanding opportunities for women and youth. The dialogue addressed various human rights and basic freedoms issues in Kuwait and the EU, including workers' rights, women's and children's rights, freedoms of expression and assembly, and the rule of law. It also facilitated the exchange of views on cooperation within human rights forums, bodies, and mechanisms, as well as conducting periodic reviews of international treaties and special procedures. The Kuwaiti delegation was led by Assistant Foreign Minister for Human Rights, Ambassador Sheikha Jawaher Ibrahim Duaij Al-Sabah, while the EU delegation was headed by Anna-Maria Panagiotakopoulou, head of the Arab Peninsula and Iraq section in the European External Action Service (EEAS).
