KUWAIT: Assistant Foreign Minister for Human Rights Affairs Ambassador Sheikha Jawaher Ibrahim Al-Duaij Al-Sabah reaffirmed Kuwait’s unwavering commitment to strengthening the role of media in promoting the principles of international humanitarian law (IHL). Speaking to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) on Tuesday, Sheikha Jawaher underscored the media’s vital role in shaping public opinion and accurately portraying the humanitarian consequences of armed conflicts.
Her remarks came on the sidelines of a workshop titled “Media and International Humanitarian Law,” organized by the Permanent National Committee for International Humanitarian Law in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs — represented by the Human Rights Affairs Department —the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and the Kuwait Institute for Judicial and Legal Studies. The event runs until Wednesday.
Sheikha Jawaher stressed the importance of equipping journalists with essential legal knowledge to ensure responsible reporting, particularly in conflict zones. “Empowering media professionals with a sound understanding of international law enhances their protection and improves the accuracy and credibility of their reporting,” she said. She added that the use of precise legal terminology in media coverage helps prevent misinformation, supports global efforts to protect vulnerable communities, and reinforces adherence to IHL principles.
“This workshop reflects Kuwait’s steadfast dedication to promoting human rights and international law through capacity-building initiatives and platforms for dialogue and knowledge exchange,” Sheikha Jawaher stated. The workshop forms part of a broader national program led by the Permanent National Committee for International Humanitarian Law to build awareness and deepen understanding of the intersection between media and humanitarian law.
Assistant Foreign Minister for Human Rights Affairs, Ambassador Sheikha Jawaher Ibrahim Al-Duaij Al-Sabah
In a separate statement to KUNA on Monday, Sheikha Jawaher also affirmed Kuwait’s keenness to strengthen its institutional framework in response to international human rights recommendations. Following a meeting of the Permanent National Committee for Preparing Reports and Following up on Human Rights Recommendations, she emphasized the country’s commitment to transparency and alignment with global standards, particularly through engagement with the UN Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism.
She noted that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through its Human Rights Department, continues to coordinate with United Nations agencies to promote national capacities and strengthen mechanisms that support Kuwait’s human rights obligations. The meeting brought together representatives from various government entities, including the Human Rights Committee at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to review Kuwait’s second periodic report to the Arab Charter on Human Rights Committee of the League of Arab States.
Assistant Undersecretary for External Health Services at the Ministry of Health Dr Hisham Kalander described the committee as a unified platform that supports the implementation of national legislation protecting the rights of women, children, people with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups. He noted the importance of coordination in responding to international recommendations and aligning policies with national laws.
Acting Director General of the Public Authority for Disability Affairs Wafaa Al-Muhana praised the ministry’s role in fostering inter-agency cooperation to improve services and infrastructure supporting persons with disabilities. She called for continued legislative development to ensure their full participation in public life.
Meanwhile, Director of the Juvenile Care Department at the Ministry of Social Affairs Dr Jassim Al-Kandari revealed that the meeting reviewed 290 recommendations submitted to Kuwait, which were distributed to the appropriate authorities for implementation or further study to ensure compliance with national values and legislation. Dr Al-Kandari commended the Human Rights Committee’s effective coordination, highlighting its role in institutional development and in reinforcing Kuwait’s progress in promoting a rights-based approach and inclusive society in line with international best practices. — KUNA
