Kuwait has called for reinforced adherence to international humanitarian law (IHL), emphasizing the need for protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure during armed conflicts and accountability for violations. The remarks were delivered by Kuwaiti Diplomatic Attaché Mohammad Al-Mutairi on October 20 before the Sixth Committee (Legal) of the United Nations General Assembly, during discussions on the agenda item "Additional Protocols."

Al-Mutairi highlighted the significance of the 1949 Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols as foundational elements of the international legal framework governing armed conflict. He stressed that respect for these provisions must be universal and not selective or dependent on particular conflicts. Fundamental principles outlined include the distinction between civilians and combatants, differentiation between civilian objects and military objectives, proportionality in attacks, precautions to be taken during hostilities, and the protection of wounded, sick, and humanitarian personnel.

The Kuwaiti official outlined steps taken domestically to strengthen national legislation in line with international commitments. Among these measures are Decree-Law No. 134 of 2025, which regulates the use and protection of the Red Crescent and Red Cross emblems to prevent misuse of humanitarian symbols, and Decree-Law No. 154 of 2025, establishing a national framework for tracing persons missing due to armed conflicts and safeguarding the right of families to obtain information on their whereabouts. Kuwait has placed particular importance on addressing the issue of missing persons, drawing on national experience related to prisoners and missing individuals from previous conflicts.

Al-Mutairi also reaffirmed Kuwait’s support for the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2474 (2019), which addresses missing persons in armed conflicts and which Kuwait had introduced during its Council membership, underlining the need for coordinated international efforts on this humanitarian and legal issue. He highlighted the work of Kuwait’s National Committee on International Humanitarian Law, responsible for overseeing implementation of IHL obligations, coordinating among national authorities, raising public awareness, promoting training, and facilitating exchanges of expertise.

Turning to regional security concerns, Al-Mutairi condemned attacks by Iran against Kuwait, other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) members, and Jordan, describing them as clear violations of the UN Charter and international law that exacerbate regional tensions. He cited specific attacks targeting critical facilities in Kuwait—including water desalination plants, Kuwait International Airport, and the Public Institution for Social Security—that resulted in civilian, public employee, and military casualties. He also condemned assaults on ships and tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, stressing the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation and transit through the strategic maritime corridor, and called on Iran to comply with UN Security Council Resolution 2817 (2026), co-sponsored by 136 countries.

Al-Mutairi further condemned attacks by the Houthi militia on civilian infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, including King Khalid and King Fahd International Airports, noting resulting fatalities and threats to civilian safety and national sovereignty. On the issue of Palestine, he criticized the occupying power’s practices, which he characterized as violations of international humanitarian law—citing starvation, forced displacement, settlement construction, and attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure. He urged the fulfillment of legal obligations by the occupying power, facilitation of humanitarian assistance, and stressed the necessity of ending the occupation. Al-Mutairi reaffirmed support for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, consistent with the two-state solution framework.

Concluding his statement, Al-Mutairi emphasized Kuwait’s commitment to advancing efforts domestically and internationally to uphold international humanitarian law, protect victims of armed conflicts, alleviate human suffering, and reinforce the rule of law.