International collaboration is crucial for the empowerment of disadvantaged populations, asserts Al-Huwailah.
Unleashing Inclusion: Kuwait's Stance on Vulnerable Groups
Dr. Amthal Al-Huwailah, the Minister of Social Affairs, Family, and Childhood Affairs, made it crystal clear that Kuwait wholeheartedly supports multilateral cooperation to safeguard and champion marginalized communities. In an exclusive chat with Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), she acclaimed the United Nations for its pivotal role in coordinating global initiatives to uphold values such as fairness, equality, and nondiscrimination.
Addressing the nation following her encounter with UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed at the 18th session of the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Al-Huwailah underlined Kuwait's determination to intensify its collaboration with the UN system.
She shed light on Kuwait's unwavering commitment to implementing international agreements and refining local policies that promote empowerment and integration for individuals with disabilities. The focus of their meeting was bolstering technical cooperation with UN agencies to prop up Kuwait's endeavors in fulfilling its obligations under the Convention.
Al-Huwailah emphasized that Kuwait's strategy draws on humanitarian and constitutional foundations, prioritizing legislative reform and inclusive development that adheres to global benchmarks.
Kuwait's impressive advancements, she stated, can be seen in their establishment of a high-level national committee to regulate convention implementation, revamping the Kuwait Disability Guide 2025, and expanding inclusive educational and economic initiatives.
Reiterating Kuwait's readiness to continue its bond with the UN, Al-Huwaila highlighted the nation's goal of crafting a more inclusive and sustainable society. The event was attended by Ambassador Sheikha Jawaher Ibrahim Al-Duaij Al-Sabah, Assistant Foreign Minister for Human Rights Affairs and a member of the National Committee for International Humanitarian Law, as well as Ambassador Tariq Al-Bannai, Kuwait's Permanent Representative to the United Nations.
Behind the Scenes: Kuwait's Focus on Disability Rights
Recently, Kuwait has embarked on a series of significant initiatives, with a particular emphasis on empowering persons with disabilities in alignment with both national reforms and international commitments.
The Kuwait Disability Index 2025: A Comprehensive Guide
In May 2025, Kuwait unveiled the "Kuwait Disability Index 2025" (also known as the "Kuwait Reference Guide for Disability 2025"). This landmark achievement is a testament to the country's dedication to fostering an inclusive society, consistent with both national legislation (specifically Law No. 73/2020, Article 48, Clause 17) and international disability rights accords. The guide offers standardized diagnostic criteria for various disabilities, ensuring that diagnoses are precise and consistent across medical, educational, and employment sectors.
Joint Accessibility Oversight Committees
In June 2025, the Kuwait Municipality and the Public Authority for Disability Affairs (PADA) established a joint committee to oversee accessibility in public infrastructure and facilities, seeking to promote the inclusion of individuals with disabilities across society.
Empowering Women with Disabilities
PADA champions initiatives aimed at boosting the empowerment and integration of women with disabilities in the workforce by providing specialized support. These efforts were highlighted during the celebrations held to commemorate 20 years since women gained suffrage in Kuwait.
Multilateral Cooperation and International Commitments
Kuwait partners with the United Nations, the World Health Organization (WHO), and other international bodies to develop and implement standards and initiatives centered on disability rights. Furthermore, Kuwait actively collaborates with neighboring countries like Bahrain within the UN framework, highlighting the importance of regional and multilateral approaches in supporting marginalized groups.
Kuwait's ongoing initiatives underscore a strong commitment to protecting and empowering persons with disabilities, integrating international agreements, and leveraging multilateral cooperation for a more equitable and inclusive development.
| Initiative/Commitment | Description | Stakeholder Involvement ||----------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------|| Kuwait Disability Index 2025 | Comprehensive guide for diagnosing disabilities, ensuring fairness and support | UN, WHO, PADA, Ministry of Health || Joint Accessibility Oversight | Municipality-PADA committee to ensure public infrastructure accessibility | Kuwait Municipality, PADA || Empowerment of Women with Disabilities | Initiatives to integrate women with disabilities into the workforce and provide support | PADA, Ministry of Social Affairs, UN || Multilateral Cooperation | Collaboration with UN, WHO, and regional partners for disability rights and social inclusion | UN, WHO, Bahrain Ministry of Social Affairs |
[1] Kuwait Times: Kuwait launches Kuwait Disability Guide 2025[2] KUNA: Kuwait Municipality, PADA form joint committee to oversee accessibility[3] UN: Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities[4] Gulf News: Kuwait focused on multilateral cooperation: Al-Huwailah[5] Arab Times: Empowerment of women with disabilities
The focus of Kuwait's ongoing initiatives is not only limited to national reforms but also extends to international commitments, particularly in the realm of disability rights. This multilateral cooperation includes partnerships with the United Nations, the World Health Organization (WHO), and other international bodies.
In the spirit of fairness and nondiscrimination, Kuwait collaborates extensively with regional partners such as Bahrain within the United Nations framework, emphasizing the significance of regional and multilateral approaches in supporting marginalized groups.
