Press Release
Cairo 52 Legal Research Institute (Cairo 52) and White Tent have submitted a critical report to the United Nations Human Rights Council’s 4th Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of Kuwait, calling for urgent reforms to end discriminatory practices and policies that violate the human rights of transgender individuals in Kuwait. The report, set for review during the 49th session of the UPR in April–May 2025, addresses systemic barriers preventing transgender individuals from accessing fundamental rights, including legal recognition, healthcare, and protection from violence.
The joint report, based on in-depth research by Cairo 52 and White Tent, details how Kuwaiti authorities are failing to uphold their international obligations, including the rights to health, freedom from discrimination, and protection from harmful practices. Key findings include restrictive laws such as Article 198 of the Penal Code, which criminalizes “imitating the opposite sex,” allowing for arbitrary arrests and detention. Despite a Supreme Constitutional Court ruling in 2022 that annulled this article, transgender individuals continue to face persecution through other morality statutes. Notably, foreign nationals, including those suspected of belonging to the LGBTQ+ community, face deportation without due process.
“Transgender individuals in Kuwait endure discrimination, social stigma, and criminalization due to laws that lack clarity and uphold harmful practices,” stated Nora Noralla, Executive Director of Cairo 52. “This report urges Kuwait to end these violations and align its legal framework with international human rights standards.”
Fawaz, the Executive Director of “White Tent,” added: “The recent repeal of Article 198 is a positive step, but it is not enough. There is still much work to be done to ensure that the law becomes a tool for protection rather than oppression. We call on Kuwaiti authorities to adopt fair and inclusive policies that uphold protection and dignity for all.”
The report also highlights how Kuwaiti legislation restricts transgender individuals’ access to necessary healthcare, including gender-affirming procedures. Law No. 70 of 2020 prohibits such care for transgender people, limiting medical interventions only to cases deemed “gender correction” for intersex individuals. In addition, conversion therapy practices continue to be promoted, putting transgender individuals at risk of torture and ill-treatment.
Key recommendations in the report include:
- Repealing Restrictive Laws: Amend laws that criminalize transgender individuals’ gender expression and enforce penalties against healthcare providers offering gender-affirming treatment.
- Implementing Anti-Discrimination Measures: Introduce protections for transgender individuals against social stigma, abuse, and harmful medical practices such as conversion therapy and honor killing.
- Establishing Healthcare Access: Allocate resources to provide comprehensive medical centers and integrate transgender-related healthcare services into insurance schemes.
- Ensuring Due Process: Protect the legal rights of transgender individuals from arbitrary arrest, detention, and deportation.
The Universal Periodic Review is a vital mechanism for holding states accountable for their human rights practices. Cairo 52 and White Tent urge Kuwaiti authorities to take these recommendations seriously to create a safer, more inclusive environment for transgender individuals in Kuwait.
For more information and to access the full report here
About Cairo 52 Legal Research Institute
Cairo 52 is a non-governmental policy and research institute focusing on the rights of sexual and gender minorities in the MENA region, advocating for equality, dignity, and legal reforms.
About White Tent
White Tent is a consultancy focused on legal and human rights research across the Arabian Peninsula, supporting efforts to uphold and advance human rights protections.
