A/HRC/15/60 including transparent evaluation of all unresolved Bidun cases, to instruct immediately the Minister for Health to register every child at birth, and to revise its nationality law, particularly regarding the equal right of women to pass on their nationality to their children. 623. The Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies noted that, while international treaties enjoyed the power of law according to the Constitution, Kuwait’s legislation was in contradiction to ratified international treaties, particularly its Press and Publication Law, and undermined the independence of the judiciary. No political parties officially existed in Kuwait. It called on Kuwait to refrain from violating freedom of expression through detention, trial and deportation of individuals exercising these rights, to modify the Press and Publication Law, and to strengthen guarantees for judicial independence. 624. The Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network urged Kuwait to give serious consideration to the recommendation that called for the elimination of discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons, and in particular to consider decriminalizing same-sex relations between consenting adults with a view to ensuring the rights to privacy and nondiscrimination. It also urged Kuwait to repeal provisions that criminalized dressing as a member of the opposite sex. 625. The Human Rights Information and Training Centre appreciated Kuwait’s efforts to improve its human rights record, and made a number of suggestions. Regarding the longstanding issue of persons without citizenship, referred to as Bidun, it recommended that Kuwait should take more decisive steps and benefit from the experience of scholars and civil society experts specialized in this area, with a view to settling this problem. It also recommended the prompt establishment of the Public Manpower Authority under the auspices of the Minister for Social Affairs and Labour, with a view to abolishing the sponsorship (Kafalah) system. Referring to serious human rights violations against domestic workers, the Centre highlighted the urgent need for regulation of their employment relations. Lastly, it emphasized the importance of awareness-raising on human rights issues. 4. Concluding remarks of the State under review 626. Kuwait expressed appreciation to all speakers from States and civil society. The delegation explained that Kuwait was an open society without political prisoners, a small democratic country with a population of 1 million Kuwaitis and 2 million foreigners. While it was a developing country pursuing modernization, Kuwait would like to respect its own system, traditions and customs, of which it was proud. 627. Replying to the points raised by civil society, the delegation pledged to convey their statements to the Government. The problem of illegal residents had existed for many years, and was one that Kuwaiti authorities at all levels wished to solve. In the short term, Kuwait provided illegal residents with their basic rights and services, such as education and health benefits. They also had the right to use the justice system and to go to court. A committee composed of ex-parliamentarians had been established, and it was hoped that a long-term solution to the problem would be found in the near future. The delegation also drew attention to the many benefits accruing from citizenship and to the illegal resident issue as a matter of national security. 628. The delegation recalled that Kuwait spent almost 2 per cent of its GNP on international development assistance. 629. Regarding the situation of domestic workers, the delegation recognized that abuses did occur, since no society was perfect, but that these issues were being handled, including by resorting to the courts and cooperating with the relevant authorities of countries of origin. 176 GE.11-17043