On October 11, 2024, Alkarama submitted its report as part of Kuwait's fourth Universal Periodic Review (UPR), which will take place during the 49th session (April 28 to May 9, 2025) in Geneva.
Alkarama’s report highlights ongoing human rights violations exacerbated by the current political and institutional crisis. This report comes in a context marked by political instability and the concentration of all powers in the hands of the Emir through the suspension of the Constitution, the complete elimination of the legislative power, and the subjugation of the judiciary.
This centralization of power is accompanied by increased repression of any form of criticism or opposition, as well as infringements on fundamental freedoms, raising serious concerns among political actors and human rights NGOs.
Restrictions on freedoms of expression and assembly are now legitimized by a repressive judicial arsenal that is regularly used against political activists and social media activists.
The introduction of mandatory biometric registration in Kuwait, effective since March 2024, has raised serious concerns about the privacy of Kuwaiti citizens. This measure, justified by national security concerns, imposes the mandatory collection of sensitive biometric information. However, it is accompanied by retaliatory measures that infringe upon fundamental rights, such as the freezing of bank accounts, the prohibition from accessing government services, and the denial of healthcare to those who refuse to comply. Protesting citizens demanding that the Ministry of the Interior commit to ensuring that the data collected does not violate their privacy have no legal recourse to challenge this obligation.
Over the past two years, the persistent issues of stateless persons (Bidouns) and the Emir’s use of decrees to revoke citizenship, a decision not subject to judicial review, continue to violate Article 2 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, ratified by Kuwait.
Alkarama thus calls for urgent reforms to put an end to these violations and to ensure respect for human rights. The State should, in particular, establish a clear and transparent legislative framework for biometric registration, ensuring the protection of personal data and citizens’ fundamental rights, while providing effective legal remedies against abuses, and safeguarding freedom of expression and the protection of vulnerable populations such as the Bidouns.