23/05/2026
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23/05/2026
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Sheikha Ambassador Jawaher Ibrahim Al-Duaij Al-Sabah
NEW YORK, May 23: Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Human Rights Ambassador Sheikha Jawaher Ibrahim Al-Duaij Al-Sabah has reaffirmed Kuwait’s unwavering commitment to the principle of distinction under international humanitarian law (IHL) to safeguard civilian life and dignity during armed conflicts. Speaking at a UN side event titled “Upholding the Principle of Distinction: Protecting Civilian Objects in Armed Conflicts,” Sheikha Jawaher voiced deep concern over the erosion of compliance with IHL rules.
The event was convened by Kuwait’s Permanent Mission to the UN on the sidelines of the ninth annual Civilian Protection Week. The Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs condemned the systematic targeting of critical civilian infrastructure, including airports, seaports, power grids, water networks, and food supply chains. She underscores that recent drone and missile strikes against regional civilian targets necessitate more robust and effective international intervention. Sheikha Jawaher reiterated the urgent need to fortify international legal frameworks, hoping the UN deliberations would yield actionable measures and best practices to enhance compliance and mitigate civilian collateral damage.
The high-level panel was co-organized by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states, alongside the UN missions of Ireland, Portugal, Slovenia, Vietnam, Mexico, and Norway. Key humanitarian stakeholders also backed the initiative, including the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), UNDP, OCHA, the World Food Programme (WFP), and the Centre for Civilians in Conflict. The assembly featured prominent virtual addresses from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and ICRC President Mirjana Spoljari Egger, alongside statements from various international diplomatic delegations. (KUNA)
