NEW YORK, Oct 16: The State of Kuwait has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing and safeguarding children's rights, emphasizing its support for international efforts in this field. This was highlighted in a speech delivered by Diplomatic Attaché Raheeq Al-Abbad on Tuesday evening, representing Kuwait's Permanent Delegation to the United Nations, before the Third Committee on Social, Humanitarian, and Cultural Affairs under Item 67, which focuses on the promotion and protection of children's rights.

Al-Abbad stressed that the world faces significant challenges that hinder the provision of a decent and safe life for children, including poverty, lack of access to quality education, and basic health services. Additionally, she raised concerns about children being subjected to forced labor in harsh and unsafe conditions.

She referenced Kuwait’s Law No. 21 of 2015, which guarantees children's basic rights, including protection from all forms of discrimination and the provision of free healthcare, education, and social care. Al-Abbad also noted that a 2023 Gallup International Foundation survey ranked Kuwait second globally in respecting children's rights and ensuring their dignity, while the country achieved a top rank in providing child safety.

Al-Abbad highlighted Kuwait's ratification of the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1991, underscoring its commitment to meeting international standards in child protection. She also emphasized that Kuwait has made significant progress toward achieving sustainable development goals through collaboration with various international organizations.

In her address, Al-Abbad condemned in the strongest terms the ongoing violations committed by Israeli occupation forces against innocent children in Palestine and Lebanon, labeling these actions as blatant violations of international treaties related to children's rights. She pointed out that the children of Gaza have suffered through devastating war experiences, leaving many severely injured or facing issues such as disease, malnutrition, or psychological trauma due to Israeli attacks.

Al-Abbad renewed Kuwait's call for an immediate end to the violations against Palestinian and Lebanese children, including killings, maiming, and forced displacement. She concluded by emphasizing that protecting children's rights is fundamental to building a balanced and stable society. "Empowering children with their rights contributes to raising generations capable of driving progress, ensuring prosperity, and maintaining peace and security in the future," she stated. (KUNA)