Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

Twenty-second session

26 August–20 September 2019

Item 5 of the provisional agenda

Consideration of reports submitted by parties to the Convention under article 35

List of issues in relation to the initial report of Kuwait

Addendum

Replies of Kuwait to the list of issues * , **

[Date received: 30 July 2019]

I.Purpose and general obligations (arts. 1–4)

Reply to paragraph 1 (a) of the list of issues

1.The Public Authority for Disability Affairs (PADA) conducted a review of Law 8/2010 to promote, develop and protect the rights of PWD. The review resulted in issuing relevant legislations such as law 2015/101 and law 5/2016.

2.As for other governmental preparations and the practical implementation of the CRPD Articles, this report will include all the details accordingly.

Reply to paragraph 1 (b) of the list of issues

3.PADA has formed “Strategy 2020–2025” which includes 4 major aspects: Education, Employment, Healthcare and Societal Recreation. PADA is currently setting forth the details of said strategy with emphasis on specifying the partnership role of other governmental entities as well as the private sector and non-governmental organizations.

Reply to paragraph 1 (c) of the list of issues

4.According to Article 49 of Law 8/2010, PADA shall have a Supreme Council specializing in setting the objectives and general policies of PADA. The Council is formed by: First Deputy of Prime Minister or acting deputy and includes the membership of the following: Minister of Social Affairs and Labour, Minister of Health, Minister of Education, Minister of Higher Education and the Director General of General Authority for Youth and Sports. The Council shall include representatives of non-profit organizations and Recreational Clubs specializing in Disabled Affairs. Also Article 52 provides that: PADA shall form a Board of Directors by the power of the Council, chaired by PADA General Director and the membership of each of: a representative from each of these Ministries: Health, Education, Higher Education, Social Affairs and Labour and the general Authority for Youth and Sports, the Civil Service Bureau. Also, the Board of Directors shall include four representatives of Non-profit Organizations and Recreation Clubs, and two persons with competence and experience in matters of disability, selected from outside of PADA upon nomination by the General Director, for a period of four years’ renewable once.

5.Kuwait encourages the formation of Civil Society Organization (CSO) in general, including organization concerning disability, by providing them with annual financial support. This support was limited to associations registered before 2004, while the government continued to support capacity development and attending conference/workshop in the field related to association. The annual support provided by the Ministry of Social Affairs is estimated to be around 234,000 Kuwaiti Dinars (770,000 US dollars) and includes 3 CSOs concerned with PWD.

6.Article (22) of the Public Benefit Associations Law No. 24/1962: “Registered and established societies may request permission for collecting money to achieve their goals once a year abiding by rules and manners stated in the Law of Permitting Collection of Money for Public Purposes.”

Reply to paragraph 2 of the list of issues

7.Article No. 166 of Kuwait Constitution guarantees the right to litigation to all, The Law shall determine the procedure and the conditions necessary to exercise that right.

8.In the context of Article No.167 of the Constitution, The Public Prosecution shall, on behalf of the Society, bring public lawsuits, supervise matters relating to judicial seizures, and watch over the application of penal codes.

9.Moreover, Article No. 45 of the Kuwaiti Constitution allows every individual to address the public authorities in writing signed by their own. This indicates that the Kuwaiti Constitution has granted everyone the right to address public authorities, report and file complaints.

10.In addition, the Kuwaiti legislator granted all individuals the right to appeal to the Constitutional Court in any legislation, decree or regulation if it is suspected of violating the provisions of the Constitution. Legislation No. 109/2014 amending some provisions of Legislation No. 14/1973 establishing the Constitutional Court, where every natural or juridical person was granted the right to appeal directly to the Constitutional Court on a principal claim.

11.In consistence with the constitutional principle, Article No. 5 of law 8/2010 that states: “The Government shall take all effective administrative measures and provide the necessary tools to ensure that PWD exercise their civil and political rights freely. The Government is also, committed to furnishing liaison offices to provide special services for PWD in all its institutions and governmental bodies. Services including sign language interpreters and guiding aids to assist the blind to ensure that PWDs receive their rights on an equal basis with others.”

12.With regard to the implementation of the verdicts issued by the courts of Kuwait against PADA, it should be noted that according to Article No. 58 added to Penal Code No. 9/1996, a public official who deliberately withholds the execution of the verdicts within 30 days of verdict receipt by a legal representative, the penalty shall be imprisonment and dismissal from employment. Also, a punishment of imprisonment, fine or either shall take place if the employee uses the power of his function to suspend the execution of the sentence.

II.Specific rights (arts. 5–30)

Equality and non-discrimination (art. 5)

Reply to paragraph 3 (a) of the list of issues

13.Kuwait constitution sets the following principles:

•Article 7: Justice, freedom and equality are the pillars of society, and cooperation and compassion are a secure relation between the citizens;

•Article 8: The state shall safeguard the pillars of society and guarantee security, tranquillity and equal opportunities for all citizens;

•Article 29: People are peers in human dignity and have, in the eyes of law, equal public rights and obligations. There shall be no differentiation made among them because of race, origin, language or religion;

•All principles are fully aligned with principles of the convention.

14.In addition, Kuwait established Law No. 8/2010 for the rights of PWD, and ratified the Convention on the Rights of PWDs according to Law No. (35) Of 2013 that has been legislated on 26 May 2013, based on Article 70 of Kuwaiti Constitution, “The Amir shall conclude treaties by Decree and shall communicate them immediately, accompanied by relevant details, to the National Assembly. After ratification, sanction and publication in the Official Gazette …”.

15.The National legislator has also taken care to address national legislation in its provisions that seek to promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms. For example, Penal Code No. 16/1960 affirmed the principle of equality in the application of its provisions as stated in article (11) “all individuals committed in the territory of Kuwait province of the offenses set forth herein”.

16.To abolish racism and religious hate, the State of Kuwait issued Decree No. 19/2012 on the protection of national unity, which signifies in the first article the prevention of performance, speech or expression of any types of hate, dismissal or degradation expressions as mentioned in the article ( 29) of law 31/1970, and it represents hate or disrespect for any group of society, or to provoke sectarian or tribal sedition or to propagate ideas calling for the superiority of any race, group, colour, origin, religion, sex or descent, or to spread a false rumour containing what would lead to the above mentioned.

Reply to paragraph 3 (b) of the list of issues

17.Services provided by PADA to non-citizens and illegal residents are:

•Disability ID;

•Car plate;

•To whom it may concerns letter (Zakat House – Patient Benefit Fund) for moderate and severe disabilities;

•To whom it may concern letter to reduce the working hours of Kuwaiti mothers;

•Tuition fees if the mother is Kuwaiti;

•Residential care in the social care center;

•Joining the Vocational Rehabilitation programs.

Reply to paragraph 3 (c) of the list of issues

18.The Ministerial decision number 206/2009 for organizing the construction work have listed special requirements and specifications for accessibility. Moreover, article (36) defines penalties and fines for not complying with these conditions and obligates them to pay from 300 Kuwaiti Dinars to 1000 Kuwaiti Dinars.

Reply to paragraph 3 (d) of the list of issues

19.In cooperation with PWDs, PADA organized a workshop about using appropriate language towards PWDs. The workshop produced a booklet entitled “Language of Integration”, which was declared and disseminated in a press conference, television interviews, and newspaper. A language correction plan is discussed to develop a correction plan in all legislation.

Women with disabilities (art. 6)

Reply to paragraph 4 (a) of the list of issues

20.With regard to women with disabilities, the Kuwaiti Constitution and Islamic Shari’a law have promoted the principle of equality in the general framework between women and men and affirmed the principle of equality in article No. 29 which states “People in the eyes of the law are equal with respect to human dignity, duties, rights and obligations. There shall be made no discrimination among them because of race, origin, language or religion”.

Reply to paragraph 4 (b) of the list of issues

21.Kuwait has ensured that women are integrated into the labour market within the government’s work program and has defined indicator to measure women’s participation in the labour market as one of their priorities.

Reply to paragraph 4 (c) of the list of issues

22.Kuwait has been interested in all sectors of society, including women. This interest has been translated into two developmental objectives: human capital and the empowerment of women. Kuwait has also endeavored to achieve the goals of sustainable development that promote the status of women in society and ensure the application of justice and equality. These goals are in line with the objectives of empowering women in the five-year development plan of caring for and developing the capabilities of Kuwaiti women.

Reply to paragraph 4 (d) of the list of issues

23.Kuwait women have imposed themselves as a key element in the political, economic, social, and sports fields, and have taken the seats they earn in ministries, boards of government, private and civil society organizations as they have reached the highest levels of competencies. In addition, several women become head of civil society organizations concerned with the rights of PWDs. It is worth mentioning that the General Manager of PADA is also a woman.

Children with disabilities (art. 7)

Reply to paragraph 5 (a) of the list of issues

24.The State of Kuwait issued Law No. 16/2016 on the protection of children’s rights, which in turn included several provisions that guarantee the protection and rehabilitation of children with disabilities as follows:

•Article (19): a license from the Ministry of Education (MOE) is required to obtain before establishing kindergartens. The following specifications must be available in kindergartens, including for people with disability;

•Article (20): Follow the scientific methods in organizing kindergarten work to achieve its objectives as follows:

•Provide kindergartens with educational facilities and accommodations’ appropriate to the characteristics and needs of the age group and the special needs of children with disabilities;

•Provide a teacher in special education in addition to mainstream teachers in kindergartens with children with disabilities;

•Article (24): Areas should be set up to disseminate awareness and guidance programs to various media to promote the rights of children with disabilities and educate their caregivers;

•Article (25): Rehabilitation institutions and establishments shall be authorized by PADA and shall obtain a certificate of accreditation from the MOE, the Ministry of Higher Education or the General Authority for Applied Education and Training, as appropriate, and their conformity with the standards of their institutes and facilities;

•Article (26): Priority shall be given to the education of children with disabilities by including them in the mainstream schools and shall be organized through a decision of the Minister of Education. The MOE shall establish schools or classes for the education of children with disabilities who have not met the requirements of inclusion in accordance with their abilities and aptitudes so called schools and special education classes;

•Article (27): The establishment of special education schools and classes aims to provide a special education and training suitable for pupils with disabilities who are found to be unable to integrate into mainstream education according to the medical reports, specialists and teachers and with the consent of parents, as well as providing appropriate psychological and social care;

•Article (28): The MOE shall announce via all possible methods, a list of schools and programs that accept admissions into their program for children with disabilities, the terms of the admissions, a list of inclusive education schools and the benefit of enrolling in such schools;

•Article (29): The parent will apply for admissions to the school or classes where he wants to enrol his child with disability;

•Article (30): Schools and special education classes refer all children who apply for admission to a specialized committee formed in cooperation between the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the MOE and PADA;

•Article (31): A child with a disability shall be admitted to special education schools and classes. The candidate school grade shall be temporarily determined until all the medical, mental psychological and psychological procedures and examinations necessary for the final enrolment in the candidate grade are completed;

•Article (32): Specialized teachers in visual, motor, intellectual, auditory and autism disabilities conduct the necessary tests to assess the achievement level and measure the verbal abilities of each student. The results of these tests are kept in the student’s file;

•Article (33): In each of the special education schools, as well as the schools with special education classes, technical evaluation committee is formed and headed by the School Manager and by the membership of the specialist doctor, the social worker, the special education specialist, the representative of the faculty and representatives of the parents of pupils. A case-by-case basis is reviewed;

•Article (34): It is permissible at any time during the academic year to reconsider the diagnosis of cases in the schools and classes of the special education;

•Article (35): All tests and check-ups prior admission to the students and special education classes shall be repeated in the first academic year;

•Article (36): The conditions of admission of children with disabilities to special education schools and classes are applied to all stages of education and workshops, as such relevant resolutions and regulations, and all decisions issued by Minister of Education. and MOE shall commit to continuously evaluate schools, special education classes and to develop and enhance services;

•Article (37): The study begins in the special education schools and classes with other mainstream schools for each stage of the corresponding education level;

•Article (39): Children with multiple disabilities who are found to be unable to be integrated into the mainstream education classes in accordance with the evaluation committee’s assessment provided for in Article (34) of this regulation, shall be enrolled in one of the special education schools that are suitable for the degree and type of their disability. Allowing them to continue in these schools with the required services, and the MOE shall establish schools and special sections for these children;

•Article (40): The academic year ends with the completion of the examinations, whether in the general certificates of special education or the transfer examinations;

•Article (42): All rehabilitation institutions/facilities established or authorized by PADA, and all schools/classes set up by the MOE for the education of children with disabilities, shall provide a certificate free of charge for every child with disability who has been receiving such service;

•Article (43): A comprehensive plan for establishing libraries for children in each area to include books of various forms and other publications. The implementation of this plan follows the following:

•Provision of suitable places for children libraries;

•The place shall be prepared and furnished to enable accessibility for all, and the appropriate resources shall be provided for activities in the library, this may be sponsored by civil society organizations;

•The children’s library must have the following conditions and specifications;

•In all circumstances, it is prohibited for any reason to keep any books or publications that address the infant instincts or adorn them with behaviours that are contrary to the supreme values and the supreme principles;

•Article (45): Cinemas and similar public places are prohibited from displaying any visual or audio-visual works, plays, performances, or songs that explicitly or implicitly contain anything that violates the values of patriotism, loyalty, loyalty to his or her good leadership, high human values, or equality among all people, respect for others.

Reply to paragraph 5 (b) of the list of issues

25.We affirm that there is no “bidoon” person in the State of Kuwait. The official designation is “illegal residents”. Kuwait is defined as a country of humanity. There is no distinction between Kuwaiti and non-Kuwaiti children, especially those with disabilities.

26.The Central System for the Remedy of Situations of Illegal Residents is responsible to provide services and facilities in all humanitarian and social fields and in accordance with the Council of Ministers’ Resolution No. 409/2011. The Central Agencyin coordination with all state agencies provides the following facilities:

•Free Education: The State provides free education for all children who reside illegally in public schools as well as private schools where the Charitable Fund for Education bears the cost of education at all levels of education. The number of students and students who are illegally residing in the government special education schools for PWDs is (58) as registered in 2018/2019;

•Free medical treatments: free medical treatments are provided for illegal residents, in accordance with Ministerial Resolution No. 86/2011, and the holders of security and health cards issued by the Central Agency are exempted from all fees;

•Issuing official documents: birth certificates, death certificates, marriage contracts, divorce contracts, agencies, inheritance, documentation;

•Issuing Driving Licenses;

•Employment in the government and private sector;

•Treatment of PWDs;

•Rations services: Supply of food items at nominal prices, like Kuwaitis, including baby formula;

27.In addition to the services mentioned in Question 3 (b).

Awareness-raising (art. 8)

Reply to paragraph 6 of the list of issues

28.A cooperation agreement is signed between PADA and the Ministry of Information on 3/5/2016, under which the Ministry of Information should carry awareness campaigns in its television and radio channels free of charge, to sensitize PWDs and their families to their rights under the law 8/2010. The two parties have also organized media awareness campaigns in all media outlets to give a positive image of PWDs in order to integrate them into society on an equal footing with others.

29.Article 68 has been activated by the formation of the team PWDs Friends of through those interested in the issue of PWDs, and one of his roles is to organize awareness campaigns related to the violations against PWDs.

30.PADA organized a media campaign under the title “My Abilities”, to integrate PWDs and remove of societal barriers facing PWDs, and change the perception toward the abilities of PWDs.

31.The campaign was launched on July 30, 2018 with slogan “My abilities distinguish me – what are your abilities”.

Accessibility (art. 9)

Reply to paragraph 7 (a) of the list of issues

32.PADA has formed a committee to review special requirements and specifications for facilitating the movement and uses of PWDs (table 15) inside and outside all buildings for all areas of Kuwait in Ministerial Resolution No. 206/2009 on the organization of construction work. And new comprehensive Code for universal design for accessibility (UDAC) has been prepared to replace table (15). PADA is currently working with Kuwait Municipality to adopt a decision to implement the new code.

Reply to paragraph 7 (b) of the list of issues

33.PADA has issued a national framework for web accessibility which aims to enable the entry of PWDs into the electronic websites, and content. The plan for implementing the national framework for web accessibility is divided into two phases: preparing PADA and the other entities in the State through the study of the international standards and training in their application to enable accessibility of websites, and the second phase includes application and evaluation of implementation.

Reply to paragraph 7 (c) of the list of issues

34.PADA has issued UDAC for internal and external environment of the buildings. This code aims to establish the necessary engineering standards in the design and creation of an accessible environment suitable for all people regardless of their age, abilities or disabilities.

35.A task force was formed with several bodies to develop the legislation and regulations necessary to activate the code and its application, in addition to studying how to apply it to existing buildings, Also, training was conducted from public and private bodies in the field of disability and construction.

36.In addition, a building inspection mechanism was established in terms of accessibility code. Four different buildings were inspected, and a report was prepared on the observations, recommendations and suitable solutions for each building.

Reply to paragraph 7 (d) of the list of issues

37.The Council of Ministers instructed PADA in coordination with the Minister of Public Works and the Minister of State for Municipal Affairs to take the necessary steps and procedures regarding the development of the strategy for applying the Kuwaiti UDAC to the new and existing buildings in order to ensure the accessibility of public use buildings public and private building, knowing that buildings such as schools, hospitals and cultural and sports centers are accessible after issuing the decree 206/2009.

Situations of risk and humanitarian emergencies (art. 11)

Reply to paragraph 8 of the list of issues

38.Ministry of Interior thorough the General Department of Civil Defence, pays great attention to PWDs in emergency situations, they have prepared additional arrangements for PWDs in emergency cases as follows:

•For evacuation cases: The Civil Defence teams shall identify these cases first and shall provide all required to evacuate them first to the nearest safe place or shelter;

•For early warning cases: awareness messages and safe procedures for dealing with PWDs are broadcast, which include the standards for safe places that must be prepared in the homes;

•For emergency and hazardous events: The guidelines recommends that PWDs stay at home, and not to leave except for extreme necessity and after coordination with the emergency agencies;

•Ministry of Interior conducts regular training courses for PWDs, carers and official to train them on the emergency procedures to ensure understanding of such procedures during these events;

•Ministry of Interior prepared and disseminates many educational and instructional brochures such as:

•Emergency Exits Procedures which give priority to PWDs during emergencies and hazards situations;

•Evacuation Procedures which define steps for assisting certain groups such as PWDs to evacuate to safe areas before the real threat occurs;

•Householder procedures: to guide them on how to manage children, the elderly, PWDs, and individuals who are unable to move during emergency and danger.

Equal recognition before the law (art. 12)

Reply to paragraph 9 of the list of issues

39.With regard to emancipation and legal competence of the persons with intellectual disabilities, Kuwait has legislated and stated in Law No. 67/1980, Article (84) that “All people shall have the ability to procure legal competence to be his/her own signor unless the law affirms the lack of such ability thereof”. Article 96 paragraph (1) of the law affirmed also “Any adult who has reached the legal age, is entitled to the right of full competence to conduct own legal matters”.

40.Article (107) paragraph (1) states that it is admissible for the Court to acquire a legal assistant for the PWD to aid him/her in executing legal contractual obligations in case of severe physical disability that hinders the PWD from executing own contractual matters, or presents difficulty of expressing own intent, especially if PWD is deaf/mute, deaf/blind or blind/mute.

41.Article (109) states that if a person is unable of handling own legal matters due to physical disability or illness, the Court can grant permission to appoint a legal assistant to execute all legal matters solely on behalf of the person, on the condition that refraining such appointment shall cause harm or detriment to the person.

Access to justice (art. 13)

Reply to paragraph 10 of the list of issues

42.The right of resort to litigation in Kuwait is guaranteed to all. Article 166 of the Constitution provides that “the right to litigation is guaranteed to all. The law shall determine the procedures and conditions necessary for the exercise of this right.” This article clearly applies to PWDs, in which they are assigned to the judiciary, in their capacity as a witness, juror, prosecutor, defender or other roles.

43.Article (5) of Law 8/2010 states that the government shall take all effective administrative measures and provide the necessary facility to ensure that PWDs enjoy their civil and political rights. The Government is committed to facilitate provision of services for PWDs in all its government offices, this include a sign language interpreter and blind service. Also, the State of Kuwait has trained the employees working with PWDs in all ministries.

44.Ministry of Justice has taken several measures to facilitate access for PWDs to justice, such as procedures that facilitate the reception of PWDs in all buildings belonging to the Ministry and access to all services provided by the Ministry.

Liberty and security of the person (art. 14)

Reply to paragraph 11 of the list of issues

45.PADA shall specify the persons responsible for ensuring the provisions of law 8/2010. PADA shall issue a decision specifying their roles and the legal authority granted to them. Therefore, PADA formed a team “Friends of PWDs” to monitor violations of the rights of PWDs, and to prepare periodic reports describing the violations committed, violations natures, responsible persons and entities, and provide PADA with regular reports. Moreover, the team shall maintain a database for all violations records, to document all cases.

Freedom from Torture or Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (art. 15)

Reply to paragraph 12 of the list of issues

46.Kuwait has taken the initiation to ratify the Convention against torture and other cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment or punishment, by Act No.1/1996 and to prevent the unlawful restriction of human rights and freedoms, thus combating torture, inhuman or degrading treatment. The articles (31), (32), (33) and (34) of the constitution, affirm the opposition of the State of Kuwait to all of these violations, and the view “innocent until proven guilty”.

•Article (31):” No person may be arrested, imprisoned, searched, have his residence restricted or be restrained in liberty of residence or of movement save in conformity with the provisions of the Law. No person shall be subjected to torture or to ignominious treatment”;

•Article (32):” Crime and punishment will be regulated by Law. Criminal punishment shall not be inflicted based on ex post facto laws”;

•Article (33):” Punishment is personal”;

•Article (34):” The accused is innocent until proved guilty in a Court of Law which shall guarantee him the necessary sureties to exercise his right of defence. The accused shall not be bodily or mentally injured”.

47.The law has many general provisions and texts that prohibit and criminalize acts of murder, injury, beating, abuse, and endangerment and this is stated in articles No.: 173-149 of the Penal Code No.16/1960.

48.Article (70) of the Penal Code No.16/1960 provides that any “official employee found guilty of a misdemeanour of bribery or torture of the accused in order to extract a confession ... the employee is suspended from his position for no less than a year and no more than five years”.

49.The Kuwaiti penal code No. 31/1970 affirms these principles through Article No. 53, which provides that “Is punished by a prison sentence… any public official/employee that has himself or through another person, tortured the accused or a witness or an expert to get them to confess a crime or testify and express opinions about the crime. If torture leads to death, then the perpetrator is sentenced to death…”.

50.Article 56 of the same law provides that “any public official, who uses force against people and causes them dishonour or abuse is sentenced to a prison”.

51.Articles 160-166 of the Kuwait Penal Code classify any acts of physical harm to persons as offences.

52.In order to provide PWDs with special protection against all forms of neglect and exploitation, the national legislator of the State of Kuwait shall ensure Law No. 8/2010 on the rights of PWDs have special penal provision for the determination of punitive provision as the article No. 61 states: “Without prejudice to a more severe penalty stated by another law, punishment shall be imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year and a fine not exceeding one thousand dinars or either of them, to any person responsible for the care of one of the PWDs, whatever the source of this commitment is, and neglects to do his/her duties or to take the necessary actions for the implementation of these duties, or fails to do his/her obligations. The punishment shall be imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years and a fine not exceeding three thousand Kuwaiti dinars or either of them, if this neglect resulted in harm to a PWD. If it leads to the death of the disabled, the punishment shall be imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years and a fine not exceeding five thousand dinars, or either of them. In case of return within three years from the date of the final verdict, the penalty shall be doubled”.

53.Law No. 67/2015 (establishing the National Office for Human Rights): states in article 9 to form standing committees to report to the board of directors. Each of these committees is headed by a one of the board members. The committees are: civil and political rights committee, family rights committee, anti-torture committee, racial discrimination and combat human trafficking, in additional to the complaints and grievances committee. These committees are one of the independent systems.

Freedom from exploitation, violence and abuse (art. 16)

Reply to paragraph 13 (a) of the list of issues

54.Law No. 8/2010 on the rights of PWDs includes several articles to ensure non-exploitation and prevention of violence and abuse against PWDs, including:

•Article (16): PADA shall determine the procedures necessary to prevent all forms of abuse of PWDs at work;

•Article (61 and 68): mentioned in answer 12.

Reply to paragraph 13 (b) of the list of issues

55.There is continuous care in all governmental and private hospitals and priority to provide services to PWDs. In the event of any signs of exploitation, violence and abuse, the case is referred to the hospital’s social health office for inspection. In case of any doubt, the case is transferred to the investigation office of Ministry of Interior.

56.In addition, the Protection of Child Rights office and the Higher Committee for Child Protection of MOH, which was established by Ministerial Decision 1116/2013, which implements all provisions relating to the protection of children’s rights, including children with disabilities.

Reply to paragraph 13 (c) of the list of issues

57.Although there is a lack of training for PWDs, their family members, caregivers and workers to identify all forms of exploitation, violence and abuse, PADA begun to offer special training on the rights of PWDs to the PWDs and employees working in this field.

Reply to paragraph 13 (d) of the list of issues

58.Kuwait has started registering cases within the Child Protection Office (see table in response 13-e) and will develop systems and mechanisms to record the remaining information and data on the rights of PWDs for different age groups.

Reply to paragraph 13 (e) of the list of issues

59.The number of cases filed and recorded by child protection office is listed in table 1- appendix 2.

Protecting the integrity of the person (art. 17)

Reply to paragraph 14 of the list of issues

60.All the law and regulations in MOH, condemn, prohibit and criminalize practices of forced application of infertility and abortion of women and girls with disabilities. In addition, the social service offices handle any woman receiving the service whom may have been abused, and provide full support, and if necessary may report the case to the police to investigate and take necessary action in case of detriment or harm is suspected upon the patient.

Liberty of movement and nationality (art. 18)

Reply to paragraph 15 of the list of issues

61.Citizenship is a sovereign matter that is subject to multiple considerations, as established by the international judiciary, which each Country has determined according to what it sees. The reasons for the reservation still exist, and the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, 1966, is mandatory for States parties. In general, the Kuwaiti Nationality Legislation is subject to periodic review under the evolving circumstances.

Living independently and being included in the community (art. 19)

Reply to paragraph 16 (a) of the list of issues

62.Kuwait have two residential care centers for PWDs and they are only for the necessary cases and individuals who are proven to be unable to care for themselves, and for severe disabilities who have no family to take care of. PWDs have the right to choose their place to live and the law on the rights of people with disabilities provides them with the financial and residential benefits that enable them to live independently.

Reply to paragraph 16 (b) of the list of issues

63.Kuwait is currently studying the issue of the abolishment of shelter institutions and replacing it with other solutions for those who need continuous care and cannot live independently because of their health condition, and they don’t have a family to take care of.

Reply to paragraph 16 (c) of the list of issues

64.The law of 8/2010 includes some articles that enable PWDs to live independently:

•Article No.32 states: “People with disabilities and their families who meet the requirements of receiving housing care shall be entitled to a grant of ten thousand Kuwait Dinars in excess of the value of the housing loan allocated...”;

•Article No.33 states: “A family whose member is a PWD is entitled to a mortgage loan from the Credit and Savings Bank...”;

•Article No.34 states: “People with disabilities or their families who meet the conditions for receiving housing welfare shall be granted notional precedence in respect of housing welfare of not more than five years...”

Reply to paragraph 16 (e) of the list of issues

65.Under Kuwaiti law, women shall benefits of housing welfare in the following conditions:

•Article 35 of Law 8/2010: A Kuwaiti woman who is married to a non-Kuwaiti man and caring for a child or a husband with a severe disability shall be granted special housing to benefit of;

•The Housing Welfare Act grants the divorced woman and the widow a housing loan to build or buy a house/apartment and renovation/expansion loan in case of desire to expand or renovate existing dwelling.

Personal mobility (art. 20)

Reply to paragraph 17 of the list of issues

66.Law 8/2010 focused on reasonable accommodations and universal design. Kuwait provides a network of roads that facilitate access to all residential areas in Kuwait. The government also provides people with disabilities with assistive devices such as wheelchairs and hearing aids free of charge, as well as exempt PWDS from paying taxes for all types of assistive devices and vehicles. Note that all areas in Kuwait are urban and provide all services to their residents.

Freedom of expression and opinion, and access to information (art. 21)

Reply to paragraph 18 (a) of the list of issues

67.PADA has developed a national framework for web accessibility in Kuwait, based on universal design concept and the latest international standards. The framework contains four chapters: Policies, Standards, Procedures and Guidelines. The framework was introduced to the government organization to adopt it while developing web contents.

Reply to paragraph 18 (b) of the list of issues

68.Several government agencies have trained and introduced sign language interpreter to support persons with hearing disabilities. Also, Ministry of Interior published awareness announcements with a sign interpreter.

69.The Ministry of Information has also committed to Article No. 23 of Law No. 8/2010 and has taken the necessary measures to provide a sign interpreter in its news, documentaries and proceedings of the National Assembly and Conferences sessions on all its official channels.

Respect for privacy (art. 22)

Reply to paragraph 19 of the list of issues

70.PADA has formed “Friends of PWDs” Team to monitor the violations of the rights of PWDs and ensure provision of rights and to raise awareness about PWDs rights, protecting their human dignity, and preventing abuse. In addition, to propose recommendation to improve their living conditions and to verify the commitment of the caregiver towards them and monitor abuses in this regard. The number of registered complaints is around 50 complaints per year.

71.As for the implementation of Article No. 59, PADA referred 88 complaints of fraud to the General Attorney to take legal action thereon.

72.PADA has archived all data on PWDs and applied the security and confidentiality systems necessary to preserve the privacy of personal data. Specific privileges have been given to the employees of PADA according to their roles and duties perform in their administrative units.

Respect for home and the family (art. 23)

Reply to paragraph 20 of the list of issues

73.Constitution of Kuwait -article No. 29 establishes the general principle of combating racism, stating that “people are equal in human dignity and are equal before the law. Equal public rights and obligations shall not be discriminated against, because of race, origin, language or religion”.

74.In its interpretation of article 29, the Explanatory Note to the Constitution of Kuwait stated that this article provided the principle of equality, rights, and duties in general and referred to the most important applications of this principle by stating, “There is no discrimination between them on account of race, language or religion”. This article has chosen not to add the words” colour or wealth “, even though such a phrase is included in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights because the suspicion of racial segregation does not exist in the country and denied in Kuwait society. Therefore, there is no need to be mention it in a special provision.

75.Constitution of Kuwait – article No. 7 stipulates that: “Justice, freedom and equality are the pillars of society, and cooperation and compassion are a link between citizens”.

76.Constitution of Kuwait – article No. 8 states: “the State shall safeguard the pillars of society and ensure security, tranquillity and equal opportunities for citizens”.

77.Law No. 51/1984 – Article No. (24) stipulates that: “(a) The right to marry is to be determined by reason and puberty: (b) The judge may authorize the marriage of the insane or the incompetent, whether male or female. That his or her marriage is beneficial in his or her recovery, and the consenting of the other party in his or her condition”.

78.As for the measures taken to prevent early marriage, Law 51/1984 Article 26 prohibited marriage contract below the minimum age: minimum age for girl is fifteen, and seventeen for the boy.

79.Law No. 31/2008, obligated all new Kuwaiti and half Kuwaiti couples to undergo the premarital screening (PMS), to reduce of common hereditary diseases.

80.Therefore, the Kuwaiti legislator did not prohibit the marriage of PWDs if the consent and eligibility (in mind and maturity) of marriage are available.

81.Law 21/2015 in article no. (3) Protects children from any kind of discrimination between children due to their place of birth, parents, sex, religion, race, disability or any other situation. The legislator also designated chapter six on protection and rehabilitation of children with disabilities which include the following articles:

•Article 57 states: The provisions of Law No. 8/2010 concerning the rights of PWDs shall apply, in respect of which no provision has been made for this section;

•Article 58: The State shall ensure the protection of the child from disability and from any work that may harm his health or physical, mental, spiritual or social development and shall take the necessary measures for early detection of disability, rehabilitation and employment of disabled persons upon reaching the age of employment;

•Article 59: A child with a disability has the right to enjoy special social, health and psychological care that builds on his self-reliance and facilitates his integration and participation in society. A child with disabilities has the right to education, training and vocational training in the same schools and institutes ...”;

•Article 60: A child with a disability has the right to rehabilitation. Rehabilitation means providing social, psychological, physical, educational and vocational services ...”;

•Article 61: PADA shall establish the institutes and facilities necessary to provide rehabilitation services for children with disabilities. And may license in the establishment of these institutes and establishments based on approved standards and procedures…”;

•Article 62: The authorities referred to in the previous Article shall receive – without charge or fee – a certificate for each child with disabilities who has been rehabilitated and the certificate attested to the profession that has been rehabilitated in addition to other data ...”;

•Article 64: The Director General of PADA, the Civil Service Bureau, the private sector and the oil sector shall specify administrative jobs in the public sector, and government-owned companies.

Education (art. 24)

Reply to paragraph 21 (a) of the list of issues

82.See answer to paragraph 5.

83.The Constitution of the State of Kuwait has also devoted to educational articles:

•Article (10): “The State shall sponsor young people ...”;

•Article (13): “Education is a cornerstone in social advancement. The State shall guarantee and tend it”;

•Article (40): “Education for Kuwaitis is a right guaranteed by the State”.

84.In accordance with Law No. 11/1965 on compulsory education and amended by Law 25/2014, which states:

•(1) “Education shall be compulsory free of charge for all Kuwaiti children, male and female, from primary to intermediate levels, and the State shall be obliged to provide school buildings, books and teachers ...”;

•Article (12) “Compulsory education shall start, beginning from the primary stage till the end of the intermediate stage.”;

•Based on the Constitution, MOE has sought to take care of minors, without discrimination by taking all necessary measures and covers all expenses of education such as books and tools needed. After Law No. 8/2010, the State obliged all institutions to take the necessary measures to provide comprehensive care (Article 4) on educational care (... taking into account the special needs of PWDs and making the necessary accommodations, the Government shall provide regular and integrated services to PWDs on an equal basis with others ...).

85.MOE has taken several measures and procedures to ensure that all students with disabilities (Kuwaiti – non-Kuwaiti) have access to inclusive education through:

•Integration of students with learning issues (slow learners) in public schools at the primary and intermediate stage;

•Allocating special education schools for students with disabilities to meet all their needs from a school building, curricula, textbooks, educational and administrative staff, clinics and health programs (in coordination with the MOH);

•Providing 25 special education schools that sponsor 1,500 students with disabilities;

•Prepare curricula for all groups to suit their abilities, enhance their academic achievement, and qualify them to integrate with the community academically, socially and professionally;

•Admission of non-Kuwaiti students to public schools to whom the Ministerial Decision 504/2010 applies;

•Private School Department and the Charity Fund follow and pay the school fees for families who cant’s pay the school fees for their children. They paid around 6.500 million Kuwaiti Dinars in 2016/2017. To benefit from this fund, parent file a request for each of his child with the required documents;

•An agreement was signed in December 2018 between the MOE and Zakat House (Society Organization) to support Education Fund and allocating KD 750,000 to illegal residents.

86.It is also worth noting that Kuwait University has introduced a plan for the enrolment of students with disabilities.

87.The number of students admitted with disabilities in scholarship for the academic year 2019–2018 was 22 students. The total number of students studying abroad with disabilities is 96 students. The number of students in Kuwait is 297 students with disabilities registered at Kuwait University for the year 2018/2019.

Reply to paragraph 21 (b) of the list of issues

88.Education right was enshrined in article 40 of the Constitution Kuwait, which state that “education is a right granted to Kuwaitis, guaranteed by the State, in accordance with the law and within the limits of public order and morals, and compulsory education is free in its initial stages in accordance with the law”.

89.Child Rights Law 21/2015 Article 21 stipulates that “a child with a disability shall have the right to education, training and vocational training in the same schools, institutes and training centers available to children without disabilities ...”. The legislator stressed the importance of integration even in exceptional cases. Article 59 states that “even in such exceptional cases, the State shall guarantee the provision of education and training in special classes, schools, institutions or training centre’s”.

90.In accordance with the UN-CRPD, article 24, and General Comment No. 4, drafted by the UN to provide guidance to Governments on the scope of their commitment to inclusive education, PADA has developed a three-year road map for inclusive education, and proposing to be implemented in cooperation with relative stakeholders.

91.MOE prepares annual plans for training school staff to develop skills and competencies of their staff. In addition, MOE provides specialized training courses to psychologists, social workers and school principals.

92.Moreover, MOE renewed memorandum of understanding with Arab Center for Research and Studies in April 2019, to implement training programs on the integration of students with disabilities in public education, the teacher preparation program and other programs on behavioural disorders and autism.

Reply to paragraph 21 (c) of the list of issues

93.See appendix 2 – table 2 for the number of schools and students in the last three years.

Health (art. 25)

Reply to paragraph 22 (a) of the list of issues

94.Based on ministerial Decree No. 8/2019, a committee was formed with PADA to review health care services offered by the MOH for PWDs, identify different services and care provided to patients in general and PWDs in specific, also to emphasize on PWDs priority in all services offered whether preventative, diagnostic, palliative or rehabilitative.

Reply to paragraph 22 (b) of the list of issues

95.A comprehensive medical examination is conducted for pregnant women to determine early onset of congenital risks and to take appropriate preventive intervention to eliminate if possible, and find anomalies that will lead to a disability. This in turn will result in protection of children and community.

96.Medical care includes the following services:

•Extensive medical examinations in preventive clinics such as Diabetes and immunizations;

•Specialty clinics such as ENT, Otology, hearing and speech pathology to discover issues at early stage and apply required intervention;

•Orthopaedic speciality clinics to treat physical disabilities;

•Designated parking spots for PWDs in all ministries;

•Hospital corridors and pathways are accessible and allow ease of access for PWDs vehicles;

•Designated seats for PWDs in all clinics and centers;

•Wheelchairs for the service of PWDs;

•Five specialized Physiotherapy Clinics offering appropriate rehabilitation services for physical disabilities in the medical centers besides other physiotherapy clinics available in the hospitals;

•Priority of services for PWDs in all medical centers;

•Provide guiding signage to identify directions and services provided to the PWDs;

•Provide assistant in the Ministry to support the PWDs;

•Equip the Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Hospital with appropriate measures in accordance with the needs of PWDs;

•Psychiatric Hospital offers all counselling, rehabilitation and therapeutic services;

•Provide prosthetic devices according to the medical needs;

•Newly established hospitals and medical centers are all equipped with state of art medical technology and designed according to universal design for accessibility.

Reply to paragraph 22 (c) of the list of issues

97.There is a shortage in training the medical staff, but serious steps are taking place to offer training as much as possible.

Reply to paragraph 22 (d) of the list of issues

98.There is no difficulties facing women and girls with disabilities to reach available care and medical programs including sexual health and fertility medical services. In fact, they do get priority in appointments and admission for all diagnostic and surgical services.

Work and employment (art. 27)

Reply to paragraph 23 (a) of the list of issues

99.Public Authority of Manpower coordinates with PADA, and Manpower and Government Restructuring Program, to organize an event in one of the mall in February 2018, in order to introduce people with disability to jobs opportunities that are available in the private sector and encouraging them to progress and enter the labour market.

100.Law No. 8/2010 regulates hiring of people with disabilities as stipulated in article 14 “The government sector, private sector and the oil sector employing at least 50 Kuwaiti workers are required to use a proportion of professionally qualified PWDs of at least 4% of Kuwaiti workers”. Therefore, Article 14 obliges governmental and non-governmental institutions to employ people with disabilities, and prohibit refusal to employ PWDs.

101.There are 77 companies employing more than 50 Kuwaiti workers and not all of them met the requirement of article 14. These companies were informed about article 14 requirement, and 6 companies responded with initiative to comply and asked to send us the required qualifications for hiring. And they agreed to send numbers PWDs that have been hired in the companies regularly.

102.Public Authority of Manpower informed PADA about requested majors for hiring to announce it in their communication channels for PWDs. The Public Authority of Manpower will continuously coordinate with PADA to organize events for introducing PWDs to jobs opportunities that are available in the private sector and encouraging them to join the labour market. Meanwhile, taking the necessary actions towards the uncommitted companies who do not comply with the minimum percentage mentioned in the law.

103.PADA has prepared a strategy to employ PWDs believing that it is important to consider abilities of PWDs and employ them accordingly. The strategy is focused on persons with mental disabilities.

104.Moreover, PADA has conducted a campaign for training PWDs in the private sector, where they were trained in cooperation with one of the Kuwaiti banks to work in the service and call centers.

Reply to paragraph 23 (b) of the list of issues

105.The State of Kuwait has taken all measures to ensure equality between workers, in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of the State of Kuwait in article 29 (mentioned in answer 3(a) page) and article 41 which states that” Every Kuwaiti shall have the right to work and to choose the nature of his occupation”.

106.Consequently, several legislations have been issued stipulating the right to work, such as Labour in the Private Sector Law No. 6/2010, which states in articles 6 and 46:

•Article (6): Without prejudice to any better benefits or rights to be determined for workers in individual or collective labour contracts, special regulations or regulations applicable to the employer or according to the profession or general custom, the provisions of this law shall represent the minimum rights of workers;

•Article (46): The worker may not be terminated without justification or because of his trade union activity or because of the claim or enjoyment of his legitimate rights in accordance with the provisions of the law, nor may the worker be terminated because of sex, origin or religion.

107.Accordingly, the law dealt with all forms of discrimination and prohibited all forms of discrimination.

108.The friends of PWDs team has been formed to monitor the violations of the rights of PWDs, and report of the protection required for them and to work to raise the awareness of the society about their rights that preserve their humanity and dignity and prevent abuse of their work. Governmental and non-governmental organizations and the oil sector, in accordance with their commitment to employ the specified percentage of PWDs and to take legal action on their refusal without providing an acceptable excuse. The right of transgressors to the General Department of Investigation.

Reply to paragraph 23 (c) of the list of issues

109.The pattern of work in Kuwait is set at certain working hours after which the worker returns to his home and his family because the size of the city of Kuwait is relatively small and the distance between the workplace and the home usually does not exceed 30 minutes.

Reply to paragraph 23 (d) of the list of issues

110.Number of Employees: 4827 Kuwaiti – 545 non-Kuwaiti.

Adequate standard of living and social protection (art. 28)

Reply to paragraph 24 (a) of the list of issues

111.Central Statistics Bureau is working on the development of disability statistics through cooperation with regional and international organizations, while seeking to develop databases on the sustainable development goals 2030. Our data shows no records of persons living at the poverty line, especially illegal residents, because the State represented by The Central System for the Remedy of Situations of Illegal Residents provide all facilities and benefits for each registered person, which we have already presented, In addition, government charities represented by the Kuwaiti Zakat House, Patient Helping Fund, and many civil charities in cooperation with the Central System to provide financial and in-kind assistance where lump-sum aid and monthly pensions are allocated and we attach a list of these subsidies in Appendix (2) Table (3).

Reply to paragraph 24 (b) of the list of issues

112.Kuwaiti with moderate and severe disabilities are provided with the necessary assistive/prosthetic device free of charge according to the report of the competent technical committee, in accordance with the following conditions:

•For severe or moderate disability which requires provision of a prosthetic/assistive device and base on PADA technical committee decision;

•There must be a medical report approved by PADA technical committee, indicating the specifications and measurements of the prosthetic/assistive device suitable for PWD;

•The PWD does not receive the same support from another government entities;

•All the contracting and purchasing procedures for these devices shall be carried out by PADA, in accordance with the laws and decisions regulating such, and in accordance with the specifications according to the report of the competent technical committee;

•Wheelchairs: the PWD is entitled to receive the wheelchairs once every three years for PWDs above the age of 16 and every two years for PWDs under 16 years.

•Hearing Aids: the beneficiary is entitled to receive the hearing aid once every three years for PWDs above the age of 16 and every two years for PWDs under 16 years.

Reply to paragraph 25 of the list of issues

113.Kuwait is one of the first countries that pays attention to the people with disabilities. Many legislations, privileges and facilities have been developed for this category. In addition to the efforts of Kuwait, the government charities represented by the Zakat House and the Patient Helping Fund provide financial and medical assistance. Prosthetic devices, wheelchairs and crutches.

Participation in political and public life (art. 29)

Reply to paragraph 26 of the list of issues

114.Law No. 35/1962 and its amendments did not prevent PWDs from exercising their right to vote in a manner similar to their peers. In Kuwait, voting is held in secret, as stated in Article (32) Of the Electoral Code, which stipulates that “the election shall be held by secret ballot” and this shall apply to PWDs.

115.PWDs have the right to vote alone and freely, and to be unable to vote for their own circumstances, or for their need for assistance, the electoral judge shall facilitate their voting to ensure their right to vote.

116.PADA has prepared a draft law amending the Law No. 35/1962 regarding the elections of the members of the National Assembly. The review and approval procedure are started by sending the proposal first to Ministry of Interior. The draft proposal contains the following amendments:

•Replace the text of Article (34) as follows: “The Chairman of the Committee shall hand over to each voter an election paper and the voter shall go to one of the areas allocated for expressing opinion within the election hall. After proving his opinion on the paper, he shall return it to the president who places it in the ballot box, and the clerk points out in the detection by the name of the voter who presented his paper”;

•The addition of two new articles to Law 35/1962 referred to as 34’ and 34’ (a) reads as follows:

•Article 34’ – “The electoral halls shall be designed to enable voters with disabilities to exercise their right to vote in accordance with appropriate, accessible and easy to understand and use procedures in accordance with the conditions and regulations issued by the Minister of Interior after taking the opinion of Kuwait Municipality and PADA;

A voter with disabilities shall exercise his right to vote, considering the principle of confidentiality of the ballot and within the limits of the disability. The procedure for PWDs shall benefit every voter with a valid disability card on the day of the election”;

•Article 34’ (a): “A voter with a disability may, on the day of the election, use an attendant in which he has the voter status of his or her own choosing, provided that the husband or wife, as the case may be, or of his or her assets or branches;

•In case he did not select an attendant, the Chairman of the Committee shall, at the request of the PWD, elect one of the voters at the polling station to assist him in voting. This case is referred to in the voter list;

•The attendant or voter chosen by the Chairman of the Committee cannot assist more than one voter with disabilities;

•The attendant chosen by the chairman of the committee must not influence the choice of the voter with disabilities. His role is limited to helping him carry out operations that are difficult for him to do alone”.

117.The Minister of Interior shall issue a decision based on PADA opinion, specifying the types and degrees of disabilities that require the use of attendants or a voter who is present at the electoral office.

118.Law No. 8/2010, specifically defining the rights of PWDs in terms of their civil and political rights. Therefore, Ministry of Interior issued circular No. 115/2014 on the rights of PWDs to define its obligation and regulates the provisions of civil and political rights of PWDs in all its offices and units.

119.In accordance with the foregoing, the Ministry provides reasonable accommodations to enable PWDs to exercise their political right with ease and pleasure whether as a voter or a candidate, including the selection of ground roles in the electoral headquarters to facilitate them in this regard and also provide all means of transport to ensure safe and easy movement, and to provide all means to facilitate the provision of suitable, accessible and easy-to-understand material on the electoral process, without prejudice to the procedures laid down in the relevant laws.

Participation in cultural life, recreation, leisure and sport (art. 30)

Reply to paragraph 27 (a) of the list of issues

120.Ministry of Information has launched a new service “Audio Description” for person with visual disabilities, and this service enable person with visual disability to watch the programs and series on TV.

121.The Ministry of Information has also committed to Article No. 23 of Law No. 8/2010 and has taken the necessary measures to provide a sign interpreter in its news and documentary programs and the proceedings of the National Assembly and Conferences sessions on all its official channels.

Reply to paragraphs 27 (b) and 27 (c) of the list of issues

122.The State of Kuwait initiated the establishment of Kuwaiti Club for the Disabled in 1977, followed by Warba Sports Club and the Ambitious club for person with mental disabilities, with the aim of improving the skills of people with disabilities in the sports, cultural, social and entertainment fields.

123.Also, Kuwaiti players with disabilities have participated in world championships and have won many awards at the international level.

III.Specific obligations (arts. 31–33)

Statistics and data collection (art. 31)

Reply to paragraph 28 of the list of issues

124.Appendix (1) contain a copy of 2011 census report published on disability data, which is the latest census conducted in the State of Kuwait.

International cooperation (art. 32)

Reply to paragraph 29 of the list of issues

125.The State of Kuwait has taken great care of the rights of PWDs and has endeavoured to meet CRPD requirements to ensure that they enjoy all their rights. Measures to ensure accessibility of PWDs to programs and policies of international cooperation in Kuwait are:

•Kuwait’s commitment to international conventions and charters is an evidence to Kuwait fidelity to PWDs. Kuwait worked regularly with United Nations Development Program (UNDP) to provide programs aimed at enabling PWDs to overcome the barriers they face while integrating in society, in education and work as global trend;

•Cooperation between PADA as the governmental body responsible for the care and empowerment of people with disabilities in Kuwait and the General Secretariat of the Supreme Council for Planning and Development (GSSCPD) and the UNDP in implementing the project “Achieving the vision of the State of Kuwait 2035 for PWDs”. The project included several outputs aimed at improving the institutional development of PADA and coordinating national efforts to remove barriers to the integration of PWDs in the health, education and economic sector. Finally, the concept and practical application of the general design model including the built environment, digital technology and transportation;

•The developmental responsibility of the state is a shared responsibility of all developmental partners, foremost of which are civil society organizations, which represent the most important factors for the success of the development process in previous years especially in social areas. A workshop has been organized to promote dialogue between civil society organizations in the field of disability, and to determine the role of civil society in implementing requirements and measures to ensure, support and protect the rights of PWDs;

•Signing a cooperation agreement between Training Gate International (TGI) and GSSCPD to develop PWDs abilities to participate in policy making process, and develop partnership between the government sector and non-profit organizations. The fourth “D-Partners” training program was held under the title: “Improving the lives of PWDs within the vision of Kuwait”. And the discussion sessions are focused on:

•Development of the educational system;

•Development of community awareness;

•Ensuring accessibility for all;

•Improving health and environmental services;

•Providing job opportunities;

•The Second Midterm Development Plan (2015/2016–2019/2020) is closely linked to translate number of sustainable development goals, considering Kuwait history, policies and priorities and the level of development. The plan is focused on inclusion of PWDs in all aspects of life, raise awareness about human rights and encourage them to participate fully and on an equal basis with others;

•The Second Midterm Development Plan (2015/2016–2019/2020) defined policies for care and empowerment of PWDs as follows:

•Providing care for PWDs and protecting their interests by developing an integrated system to reduce disability numbers in society, establish an early detection program, provide health, social, psychological and educational care for PWDs; and educate the community and family on how to deal with people especially PWDs;

•Increasing the awareness of PWDs about their rights and available opportunities and increase their participation in these activities to challenge the negative impressions about PWDs in order to have a better understanding on disability, and mental disability;

•Develop a comprehensive system for community integration of PWDs, based on non-discrimination,and attend to their integration into the labor market and preparing them for work environments, integrating into the educational system and increasing opportunities for PWDs through appropriate training opportunities, and cultural, artistic, recreational and sports integration;

•Encourage the private sector to partnership with the government and civil society to enable PWDs integration and to adopt activities support national goals toward PWDs.

126.Appendix 2 Table (4) shows the projects in the Development Plan (2015/2016–2019/2020) related to PWDs.

127.Appendix 2 Table (5) shows the alignment of the development plan with the goals of sustainable development 2030, especially the goals and targets related to PWDs:

National implementation and monitoring (art. 33)

Reply to paragraph 30 of the list of issues

128.Council of Ministers issued decree No. (1264) on follow-up the activation of the provisions of the Law No. 8/2010 on the rights of PWDs which states: “To instruct all government agencies to coordinate with PADA on implementing of the provisions of Law No. 8/2010 regarding the rights of PWDs and all relevant conventions to ensure the achievement of the objectives for which PADA was established, And to mandate PADA to submit periodic reports to the Council of Ministers in this regard”. Accordingly, PADA coordinated with all concerned parties and formed task forces to develop mechanisms and plans necessary to activate the law.