KUWAIT CITY: Three global human rights organisations yesterday urged the ruler of Kuwait to end alleged abusing of more than 100,000 stateless people, locally known as bidoon. In an unprecedented move, Refugees International, Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International jointly wrote a letter to Emir H H Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah, highlighting the plight of bidoons and urging a solution.
“The bidoons are not treated equally before the courts and continue to be denied protection conveyed through nationality and residency, and have been subjected to repeated abuse and discrimination,” the letter said. Since the start of protests in early 2011, the government’s treatment of bidoons has “deteriorated to such an extent that it has eroded Kuwait’s ability to fulfill its international human rights commitments,” said the letter.
The letter said that police has used excessive force against peaceful bidoon protesters who were demanding rights and citizenship, and detained dozens who have claimed abuse during detention. Close to 200 stateless men are facing trial for illegal assembly, resisting and assaulting police. AFP
