Minister of Justice Nasser Al-Sumait with the president and board members of Moqawemat Human Rights Association.

KUWAIT CITY, Sept 9: Minister of Justice Nasser Al-Sumait held discussions with the president and board members of Moqawemat Human Rights Association on reviewing legislation concerning opinion and expression, introducing alternative community-based penalties, and regulating the publication of photos of accused persons to ensure objectivity, reports Al-Seyassah daily. Present at the meeting were the President of the Association Dr. Yousef Al-Saqr, the  Board Member and General Manager, Ahmad Abbas Al-Rashidi, and the Board Member and Media Advisor, Osama Rashid. In a statement issued by the Association, it revealed that a joint session was convened with the participation of a team of advisors from the Ministry of Justice, during which issues concerning the human rights movement in Kuwait – including achievements, challenges, and obstacles – were discussed.

They emphasized that the publication of the photos of the accused should fall under judicial authority to guarantee objectivity and prevent misuse. The talks affirmed that civil society must fulfill its national mission, support government reforms, and always be ready to cooperate with authorities in all fields. They also explored mechanisms for establishing a system that ensures the sustainable application of human rights principles derived from Islamic law at all levels, regardless of changes in government leadership. They tackled ways to protect the civil rights of children, irrespective of their background or their social and legal status in official records, and to broaden access to litigation through legislative amendments to cover certain cases currently under review.