The world marks tomorrow (December 10) the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the most significant international legal document of human rights: Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).
The UDHR is a milestone document in the history of human rights. The declaration was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in Paris on 10 December, 1948 (General Assembly resolution 217 A) as a common standard of achievements for all peoples and all nations.
The declaration, with all its 30 articles, is the basis of all laws bearing on human rights, with its first article stating that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another within a spirit of brotherhood.
Kuwait, as part of the international order, adopted several texts and articles in its 1962 constitution that comply with the UDHR and related international charters. It has even adopted a set of pieces of legislation, laws, and arrangements that reflect the country’s observation of international commitments in the human rights domain.
In this regard, Chairman of the National Diwan of Human Rights Jassem Al-Mubaraki stressed the importance of the UDHR to the protection of all people from human rights violations, and spotlighting and addressing relevant challenges.
Speaking to KUNA, he said the international community needs an executive will to apply relevant conventions to what is going on in the Gaza Strip, lamenting that the UDHR, human rights conventions and the United Nations (UN) Charter are not observed due to double standards.
He condemned the Israeli occupation’s aggression on the Palestinian territory as a genocide and war crime against humanity right under the nose of the international community.
He added that human rights are the basic rights and freedoms of all people regardless of any other considerations such as gender, race, religious, language, political opinion, national and social origin, or economic or social situation.
In this context, Kuwait has approved and endorsed a set of international agreements and conventions targeting the elimination of racial discrimination with all its forms and manifestations, he remarked.
Kuwait has consequently enacted a package of laws, legislation, and policies pertinent to these international conventions, and has always cooperated with international human rights agencies in order to promote and protect human rights in the country.
Furthermore, Kuwait has always been keen on implementing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which were adopted by the United Nations (UN) in September 2015, and are mainly based on the UN Charter, Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), and human rights treaties and conventions.
Kuwait’s new development vision is chiefly meant to create an encouraging infrastructure and legislative business environment with human development regulations aiming at establishing values and safeguarding the society’s identity and ensuring justice, political participation, and freedoms.
Kuwait also established a permanent national committee for compiling reports and following up on human rights recommendations, chaired by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and comprising all state bodies.
It further created a National Diwan of Human Rights, an independent body supervised by the cabinet and aiming at promoting and protecting human rights, and disseminating the respect of public and private freedoms as per the constitution and international agreements endorsed by the State of Kuwait.
At the international level, Kuwait has emerged as a peace-loving country that defends civilians’ rights and hosts summits and conferences with a view to supporting needy and affected countries.
This commitment to international human rights standards showcases Kuwait’s dedication to upholding the principles of the UDHR and ensuring the protection and promotion of human rights within its borders.
By aligning its laws, legislation, and policies with international conventions and agreements, Kuwait demonstrates its commitment to eliminating racial discrimination and creating a society that values justice, political participation, and freedoms.
Through the establishment of national committees and independent bodies dedicated to human rights, Kuwait actively works towards safeguarding the rights and freedoms of its citizens.
Moreover, Kuwait’s involvement in international initiatives, such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals, highlights its dedication to supporting countries in need and advocating for the rights of civilians worldwide.
As the world commemorates the 75th anniversary of the UDHR, Kuwait’s efforts serve as a reminder of the importance of international cooperation and commitment to upholding human rights for all.
Source: TimesKuwait
