A/HRC/15/15 presentation of its report and for its responses to advance questions, which had allowed for an assessment of Kuwait’s human rights promotion and protection efforts. Recommendations made during the dialogue are found in section II of the present report. 14. Saudi Arabia highlighted the constitutional principle whereby international treaties to which Kuwait is a party have equal force with domestic legislation. In order to enforce the human rights enshrined in its legislation, Kuwait had created various bodies such as the Supreme Human Rights Committee, the Women’s Affairs Committee and the Supreme Council for Family Affairs. Saudi Arabia made recommendations. 15. Somalia commended Kuwait for the establishment of various institutions, as well as measures to promote the right to free education and the provision of welfare to the elderly and persons with disabilities. Somalia noted that Kuwait had one of the most vocal and transparent media and the highest ranking in the Human Development Index in the Arab world. It made recommendations. 16. Qatar commended Kuwait for progress made in addressing literacy for adults and social services as well as efforts to ensure the rights of and social security benefits for workers, senior citizens, persons with disabilities and other groups. Qatar made recommendations. 17. Egypt highlighted the efforts made to protect human rights and prevent violations against children in terms of abuse, violence and exploitation, and in providing health care, which had contributed to the reduction in the mortality rate. It welcomed information about the means of disseminating human rights information in schools, universities and law enforcement officials and agencies, which had become a curriculum that was included in all security training programmes. Egypt made recommendations. 18. The United Arab Emirates noted that, since its independence, Kuwait had acceded to many core human rights instruments and participated in the development of international human rights mechanisms. It welcomed efforts made concerning the establishment of national human rights institutions and the integration of international standards at the national level. The United Arab Emirates made recommendations. 19. Brazil commended Kuwait for the voluntary pledges made, particularly those relating to accession to international instruments and the enactment of a law on privatesector employment. Brazil asked about steps to ensure the full enjoyment of human rights by stateless persons. It also asked how the new law on private-sector employment would address the issue of the sponsorship (Kafala) system for migrant workers. Brazil made recommendations. 20. Algeria paid tribute to Kuwait’s efforts to raise the standard of living, which had allowed for the attainment of high development levels bringing it closer to achieving the Millennium Development Goals. It highlighted the assistance that Kuwait contributed internationally, which exceeded 0.7 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP). It welcomed the measures taken to raise the minimum wage for workers and to provide conditions that would protect them against exploitation. It noted the intention of Kuwait to ratify the convention on persons on disabilities. Algeria made recommendations. 21. Tunisia was pleased to note the level of progress and prosperity that Kuwait had achieved while respecting human rights and strengthening the principles of good governance. Tunisia noted the great importance attached by Kuwait to strengthening and protecting the rights of groups such as the elderly and the unemployed, and to providing social assistance and health care. Tunisia acknowledged the role of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs in promoting cohesion and developing capacities. It noted with satisfaction the ratification of CEDAW. Tunisia made recommendations. 5

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