Rights and new nationality law
the united nations human rights council recently issued a resolution condemning iran’s attacks on the gulf states and jordan. it called for an immediate halt to these attacks and demanded full compensation for the victims. for this resolution to have real impact and ensure both material and moral compensation, it is important to engage with human rights organizations within our countries. this should be followed by extensive discussions and further sessions by the human rights council to address the issue in depth.
humanity has never produced a document more remarkable than the universal declaration of human rights. one of its earliest predecessors, although in a more basic form, was the cyrus charter, written over 2,550 years ago. these principles were recorded on the cyrus cylinder after the conquest of babylon. the document included provisions for respecting religions and customs, returning displaced people, and easing slavery. its greatest beneficiaries were the jews of babylon and other vulnerable groups, whom cyrus the great protected. in 2025, unesco recognized the cyrus charter as one of the oldest human rights charters in history.
although the universal declaration of human rights is not legally binding, it laid the foundation for binding international agreements that protect minorities, children, and women, and combat slavery. these include the international covenant on civil and political rights, the international covenant on economic, social and cultural rights, and various conventions against discrimination. however, many islamic countries have expressed reservations about some of these provisions.
recently, a draft of a new nationality law was introduced. it will be reviewed by the cabinet, approved, and then submitted to the political leadership. the draft contains several important reforms and addresses shortcomings in previous laws. one of its most significant proposals is dividing kuwaiti citizens into two permanent categories: the first includes original citizens (founders and their descendants before 1920), and the second includes naturalized citizens and their descendants.
the first category, which makes up about 80% of citizens, would have full political and administrative rights. however, the second category, about 20% of the population, would be denied the right to vote, run for office, or participate in political life, and would also be excluded from holding certain senior positions.
while some countries do limit political participation for certain groups, such cases are rare and clearly defined. in kuwait, this proposed amendment could be considered unconstitutional. more importantly, it raises concerns about loyalty. these individuals are citizens, yet they are not treated as fully equal. this raises the question: how can complete loyalty to the nation be expected from them?
it would be better to amend this clause so that such restrictions are lifted after a certain period. keeping this limitation indefinitely is unwise, especially since the law already allows revoking citizenship if a naturalized citizen violates conditions such as loyalty to another country, committing serious crimes, or joining hostile organizations.
finally, i would like to acknowledge the efforts of sheikh turki mishal al-sabah, who is known for his approachable nature and for keeping his office open to help citizens and facilitate their needs.
