UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) organized a three-day discussion session today at the United Nations House in Kuwait, focusing on migrants’ protection and persons in need of international protection.
The discussion session was attended by participants from relevant government agencies, including the officials responsible for border crossings, law enforcement, residency investigation, and deportations. The sessions included an introduction of several fundamental principles of international refugee and migration Law, as well as international human rights and humanitarian law such as the principle of non-refoulement, the principle of international solidarity in burden-sharing, the voluntary return to country of origin, durable and lasting solutions, as well as principles related to detention and legal procedures concerning migrants and persons in need of international protection.
The sessions was co-facilitated by the UNHCR and IOM Kuwait offices for senior government officials from various departments within the Ministry of Interior (MoI) and the Ministry of Defense (MoD). UNHCR presented the legal foundations to international protection and the importance of the principle of non-refoulement as a corner stone in international law. Additionally, IOM presented international migration law and the main guidelines for the protection of victims of trafficking and smuggling. Both UN agencies discussed the challenges and opportunities for improving the implementation of relevant guidelines and principles to prevent human rights violations, foster a sense of global solidarity and shared responsibility, and encourage joint collaboration to protect the rights of people on the move globally.
UNHCR’s Representative in Kuwait, Nisreen Rubaian, highlighted the importance of conducting this kind of sessions in Kuwait, and stated: “UNHCR’s role extends beyond fundraising and mobilizing resources for humanitarian response in collaboration with donor countries and the private sector; it also focuses on raising awareness about the principles of International Human Rights Law through capacity building of local organizations and policymakers to ensure that these principles are upheld and implemented effectively, and thereby strengthen the overall protection framework of refugees and other persons who may need international protection.”
Mr. Mazen AboulHosn, the IOM Chief of Mission in Kuwait, emphasized the importance of enhancing international cooperation in the field of migrant protection, saying: “Our collaboration with the Ministry of Interior has been ongoing in Kuwait for many years. We are glad to organize this discussion session, together with UNHCR, for the National Security College in order to enhance the understanding and application of international migration law. This session is a testament to our commitment to shed light on protection mechanisms that cover migrants including temporary contractual workers”.
Brigadier General Mishaal Hadi Al-Huweila, Director General of the National Security College, stated that this event is specifically intended for all members of the Ministry of Interior, including male and female police officers from the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and above. This also includes the National Security College, officials responsible for border crossings, law enforcement, managing residency violations, and overseeing deportation operations.
Meanwhile, Colonel Abdulwahab Ibrahim Al-Najada, Director of the Institute of Strategic Security Studies, highlighted the importance of these discussion sessions. He noted that this marks the third collaboration with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), involving participants from the Ministry of Interior and various ministries and state agencies. The goal is to develop solutions for all issues, enhance the efficiency of ministry employees to improve both administrative and field operations, and help them acquire the necessary skills. He also expressed his hope that the participants will benefit greatly from this discussion session.
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