Kuwait
Kuwaiti authorities continue to use provisions in the constitution, the national security law, and the country’s cybercrime law to restrict free speech and prosecute dissidents, particularly focusing on comments made on social media. Kuwait is falling behind on reforming its kafala (sponsorship) system, which leaves migrant workers vulnerable to abuse and forced labor. The Bidun, a community of stateless people who claim Kuwaiti nationality, remain in legal limbo while the government resorts to coercion and penalizes peaceful community activism.
- Labor Rights
Human Rights Watch Remarks to European Parliament Trade Committee on EU-Gulf relationsNovember 4, 2025
Commentary
Researcher, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates - Refugees and Migrants
Kuwait’s Exit Permit Requirement Puts Migrant Workers at RiskJune 15, 2025
Commentary
Deputy Director, Middle East and North Africa Division
Reports
More reports- July 18, 2023 News Release
Middle East and North Africa: End Curbs on Women’s Mobility
Male Guardianship Rules Hamper Travel, Other Movement
- January 15, 2012 Report
“They Hunt Us Down for Fun”
Discrimination and Police Violence Against Transgender Women in Kuwait
- October 6, 2010 Report
Walls at Every Turn
Abuse of Migrant Domestic Workers through Kuwait’s Sponsorship System
News
- September 30, 2025 Statement
Human Rights Watch Oral Statement: Item 6 – Outcome of Universal Periodic Review of Kuwait
60th session UN Human Rights Council
- September 1, 2025 Statement
Joint Statement: Human Rights Concerns Regarding the UK’s Free Trade Agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council
- June 1, 2025 News Release
Gulf States: Protect Workers from Extreme Heat
Serious Health Risks as Summer Nears
- October 11, 2024 UPR
Submission to the Universal Periodic Review of Kuwait
49th Session of the UN Universal Periodic Review
- September 30, 2024 Background Briefing
Human Rights Watch Recommendations to the EU on Partnership Agreements Negotiations with GCC Countries
- December 18, 2023 News Release
Gulf States Treat Migrant Workforce as Disposable
Use International Migrants Day to End Mistreatment of Essential Workers
- July 18, 2023 News Release
Middle East and North Africa: End Curbs on Women’s Mobility
Male Guardianship Rules Hamper Travel, Other Movement
- May 3, 2023 News Release
UK: Rights Action Needed for Gulf Trade Pact
Agreement Without Improvement Could Harm Workers
- November 30, 2022 Commentary
How A New Declaration Can Help Protect Civilians During Wartime
- May 17, 2022 Letter
HRW Letter to the EU on its New Partnership with the Gulf Countries
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