Although freedom of expression is recognized by law in Kuwait, it is heavily restricted in practice. Kuwait has been struggling with restrictions on free expression for many years; however, since late 2023 and through 2024 serious escalation began under Emir Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. Kuwait has been a State Party to the International Covenant on Civil[…]
12
Nov
Nov
Kuwait implemented the Kafala (sponsorship) system around the 1950s, initially implemented to control migration into Arab countries. Under the system, states are usually supposed to provide employers with enough funding, visas, and residency to allow the workers to be employed. Although Kuwait has made promises to reform its labor system, the Kafala framework still places[…]
29
Jul
Jul
This month, Kuwait announced the formation of an ad-hoc committee to find ways of improving human rights within the country. The committee is composed of several departmental heads and seeks to improve human rights within the country through a variety of means. One of the goals of the newly established committee is to bolster cooperation[…]
11
Jul
Jul
The arbitrary imprisonment of Bedoon rights defender Mohammed al-Barghash by Kuwaiti authorities on 11 June 2025 raises serious human rights concerns. This is not the first time al-Barghash has been unjustly targeted for his peaceful activism. His repeated persecution underscores a broader pattern of repression in Kuwait, where authorities persistently violate the right to freedom[…]
09
Jul
Jul
Kuwait, once seen as an exception in the Gulf for its relatively vibrant parliamentary politics, has taken a sharp authoritarian turn. In May 2024, Emir Sheikh Meshaal Al-Ahmad issued a royal decree suspending the elected National Assembly for up to four years. This move effectively dissolved the last remaining forum for public political representation in[…]
