Kuwait city: The State of Kuwait is celebrating Human Rights Day on Wednesday, emphasizing the theme "Human Rights: Our Everyday Essentials."
According to Kuwait News Agency, the celebration commemorates the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), a pivotal global pledge proclaimed by the General Assembly in Paris on December 10, 1948. This declaration established fundamental human rights to be universally protected for the first time.
Kuwait has affirmed its commitment to human rights as a core element of its constitution, founded in 1962. This commitment aligns with international human rights laws and regulations. The nation has ratified numerous global human rights accords, ensuring political, civil, social, economic, cultural, judicial, racial, and gender rights for all individuals.
Particularly, Kuwait has focused on achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UNSGs) adopted in 2015, which include several objectives related to human rights. Kuwait's dedication to human rights was recognized on October 10, 2023, when it secured a seat at the Human Rights Council for the term 2024-26, receiving 183 votes.
In the 58th session of the UN Human Rights Council in April 2025, Kuwait renewed its commitment to fundamental human rights, especially in conflict areas such as Palestine, Syria, Sudan, and Myanmar. During a Human Rights Council session in Geneva in June 2025, Kuwait presented its fourth national report on human rights, showcasing efforts to enhance legislation and institutional procedures to uphold international human rights standards.
Kuwait led the GCC group in the 60th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva in October 2025, urging the international community to take action to uphold human dignity worldwide. Since joining the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment in 1996, Kuwait has demonstrated its firm stance against inhumane acts.
This commitment is reflected in Decree No. 93/2024, which adjusted anti-torture penalties to comply with international accords. Kuwait has also implemented measures to protect people with disabilities, migrant workers, women, and children from all forms of torture and abuse, enacting legislation and policies to this effect.