Universal Periodic Review Working Group – 21st Session
Universal Periodic Review of the State of Kuwait
Statement by Australia
28 January 2015
Australia commends the State of Kuwait’s tradition of political discourse and its humanitarian leadership in the region.
Australia is concerned, however, at the emergence of growing restrictions on public gatherings and criticism of state institutions since Kuwait’s last UPR. Australia recommends Kuwait legislate to guarantee the freedoms of expression, of assembly and of opinion.
Australia also notes with concern discrimination and deprivation of citizenship of Bidoons in Kuwait. Australia recommends Kuwait ratify the Convention relating to the Status of Stateless Persons and the Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness, with a view to finding a permanent solution to the legal status of Bidoons in Kuwait.
Finally, Australia recommends Kuwait establish a formal moratorium on the death penalty with a view to ratifying the Second Optional Protocol to the ICCPR.