HRW criticises Kuwait Focus on domestics, stateless Arabs

KUWAIT CITY, Jan 24: Housemaids in Kuwait are exposed to different forms of abuse due to the absence of a law that protects them, women rights researcher Priynaka Motaparthy in a press conference organized by Kuwait Human Rights Society (KHRS) Sunday. This came after the Human Rights Watch - an international organization that conducts research on human rights around the world — released its annual report on Jan 20. Besides Motaparthy, HRW member, human rights observer and researcher in Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region Christophe Wilkie, KHRS Chairman Ali Al-Baghli, KHRS General-Secretary Amer Al-Tameemi and KHRS member Ibrihal Al-Khateeb were also present at the press conference.

Motaparthy enumerated different forms of abuse inflicted on domestic workers in the country, including delayed payment of salaries, long work hours, no time off from work during weekend, lack of proper food, confiscation of passports, and prohibiting them from going out of the sponsor’s home. She asserted the isolated work environment of the housemaids makes them more vulnerable to other forms of abuse like physical and sexual. She said it is also difficult to file a lawsuit against the perpetrators, while the temporary shelter for absconding housemaids is not suitable.

On the passage of the new labor law, Motaparthy opined the new law includes stiffer penalties on erring companies, but it does not cover around 600,000 household workers in the country. She lamented these workers have been deprived of privileges granted to their counterparts in other sectors, such as limited work hours. She argued the housemaids need more protection than other workers, emphasizing the importance of laying down clear procedures to settle work-related disputes between the maids and their employers. She warned the absence of law on protecting domestic workers encourages employers to abuse the household helpers.

About the problems of Bedouns, Motaparthy stated 120,000 stateless persons have been residing in the country for a long period but the government merely recognized their presence, instead of granting them citizenship. She said these people have been deprived of their basic rights, such as access to vital services like education and health and acquisition of important documents like marriage certificates.
On freedom of expression, Motaparthy opined Kuwait is one of the countries that fully respect this freedom but in November 2009 one of the critics of the government was detained for allegedly defaming HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. She asserted this incident is a clear manifestation of limited freedom of expression in the country. She slammed the government for violating this freedom through the implementation of a law approved in 2007, which criminalizes the appearance of the members of the so-called third sex. This, she contended, poses a grave threat to transsexuals, more so the personal freedoms.  

HRW has lauded Kuwait for its improved human rights record last year, while pointing out that extensive discrimination remains prevalent among various groups like domestic workers, Bedouns and women.
 HRW, an international organization that conducts research on human rights around the world, released its annual report on Jan 20. Besides the maltreatment of Bedouns and household helpers, the organization also highlighted the fact that women in Kuwait do not enjoy their full political and civil rights compared to their male compatriots. It also criticized the continuous violation of people’s freedom of expression and privacy rights.
Motaparthy said the Constitutional Court in Kuwait granted Kuwaiti women right to obtain a passport without the approval of their husbands or any male relative in October 2009. She was however quick to add that discrimination against women is still prevalent as they have yet to enjoy their citizenship and ownership rights. She stated the Family Law does not stipulate equal rights for men and women in the country.

On the recommendations of HRW, Motaparthy revealed the organization has asked the Kuwaiti government to provide more protection to the workers, including the housemaids, ease procedures for the transfer of sponsorship, investigate reports about employers abusing housemaids, track down employers proven to have abused their household helpers, and provide shelter to female workers to protect them from all forms of abuse.
Motaparthy said HRW has also urged the Kuwaiti government to take the necessary steps to stop discrimination against Bedouns, amend the Citizenship Law which denies this group their civil, economic and social rights.
Meanwhile, Wilkie clarified HRW covers 90 percent of the world and it does not accept financial support from any party. He said the major human rights developments in the Middle East in 2009 include the attacks on Gaza and Israel, elections in Iran and internal conflicts in Yemen.

In addition, another one million foreign workers remained hostage to the so-called sponsor or “kafeel” system which was a “major barrier to the redress of labour abuses,” the report said.
“Sponsorship traps (foreign) workers in abusive situations, including in situations of forced labour, and blocks their access to means of redress,” it said.
Normally described as a form of slavery, the system is applied in all the energy-rich Arab states in the Gulf, but was recently relaxed in Bahrain. Kuwait also said it is considering a similar step.
HRW also criticised Kuwait for the maltreatment of about 100,000 stateless Arabs  — known as “bidun”  — saying the state failed to recognise the right of these long-term residents to citizenship or permanent residency.

Lately I've lacked the motivation to write much of anything. However, I seem to have all these thoughts and ideas roaming around in my head. They generally hit when I've just laid down to sleep, under the comforter, wrapped up like a shawerma, and have no interest in crawling out of bed to make notes. By the time I wake up the following morning, get through the routine, and overcome the morning "I need caffeine" headache, I've totally forgotten what it was I wanted to discuss. Fortunately I can pretend no one is reading this and forgive my silly ramblings of nothingness from time to time.

I have received several emails from Bidoons thanking me for spreading the word to as many English speakers/readers as I can, because often times the Arabic newspapers don't disclose quite everything regarding this ongoing situation. For instance, the Al-Watan published an article quoting one of the MPs saying, "I agree to give human rights to the Bidoons, but I disapprove of having it as a part of Kuwait's constitution". This is a shame, because it's obvious to many (especially the Bidoon) Kuwait isn't necessarily always going to keep their word, or live up to the many promises they've made. Just recently Kuwait has started to review whether or not they would continue to grant citizenship to 2,000 Bidoons every October -- as promised. What's there to review? It was a promise made, it gave people hope, now they're going to change their mind? It's cruel, and a control mechanism in an attempt to manipulate the behaviors of the people, as well as keep an accurate count of the Bidoon population.

In addition to the 'thank you' emails, I have also received many telling me the Bidoons don't deserve right, citizenship, or any of the 'perks' of being a Kuwaiti. I would respect this statement if becoming a Kuwaiti meant blood, sweat, and tears for their forefathers. If they had once given everything in their power to sacrifice for their country. But this isn't the case -- it pretty much boils down to who woke up on the right side of the sand one morning. And furthermore, there have been many times (Iraq Invasion being the most prevalent) where it was the Bidoons who protected and cared for Kuwait -- while many citizens fled. For all of you who truly feel Bidoons deserve no rights at all, I beg you... leave your home in Qurtoba, Sabah Al Salem, Al-Bida'a, or which ever area you live in, and take a ride to Taima, Ayoun, or any other area in Jahra. I'm sure it would be a first trip there for many, but a true eye opener for most. Go see your brothers and sisters living in poverty, and squalor. Go see their children playing in the streets with a puddle of water and sticks, as yours are sitting in front of the XBox all day. Go see what it is you're really refusing to support. But be very careful while you're there observing -- you may see something which actually generates emotions. One could certainly hope.

I truly do appreciate the emails I get from all of you -- whether or not you support my cause is a different story. I have also replied to every one of your emails. If it's not in your inbox, please check your spam. It will be coming from Diane@AmericanGirlinKuwait.com. Please feel free to email me directly, or use the 'contact me' forms on the site.

Now, I think I'll slink out the door and head to the Drive-Thru Starbucks while still wearing my pajamas and my hair pulled up on top of my head. It's these sorts of things that I really love about America.

Think pink for peace of mind … call Hawa Eve Taxi set for take off

KUWAIT CITY, Jan 13: “The most important thing is that we are bringing some color to the streets of Kuwait, all the while making women feel comfortable and secure,” said Bedoor Al-Mutairi, owner of the soon to be launched Hawa Taxi (Eve Taxi) service, nicknamed the Pink Taxi.
“Women now have safer transportation options where men are not allowed. In the Pink Taxi, the fares are the same as normal services and the women can even sit in the front seat,” she added enthusiastically. So make way gentlemen drivers, for the ladies will be taking over the streets.
Speaking to the Arab Times, Al Mutairi said that this past decade women have been expanding into many professional areas. “Our drivers are a mix of Asian and Arab females, even a few Kuwaiti women have applied for a part time position. Kuwait now has policewomen, ministers and members of parliament. Why not taxi drivers as well?” she commented.

In general, women using taxi services are frowned upon in Kuwait and can be potential dangers.  Therefore, Al-Mutairi thought the idea of starting a female taxi service could become feasible in this society. However, her ambitious plan was formed in 2008 when the global economic crises began, which resulted in some setbacks.
“One day I read an article in the newspaper about a roaming taxi driver who kidnapped an Asian woman and sold her. My domestic worker told me that this is a normal occurrence in Kuwait. The next day I had a flat tire and had to wait for a whole hour until my brother arrived. I wished that I had a reliable taxi service to call,” she recalled.
Kuwait was not severely affected by the economic crises so Al-Mutairi seized the opportunity and began collecting capital and talking to investment companies.
“I approached banks and investment companies with the idea and they rejected it outright due to their fears of the risks of the economic crises. I argued with them that this idea is a basic societal need and has a high potential of success, but they still refused,” she said.
After constant rejection, Al-Mutairi then started working on the project on her own. “I collected all my cash and sold my car and approached the Kuwait Small Projects Development Company for support. Their conditions were reasonable and after three months of consideration they became enthusiastic about the project. Now, a year has passed and all the official documents are ready for the taxi service to be launched,” explained Al-Mutairi.
Since plenty of countries have already implemented the women-only taxi service, even in the Middle East, Al-Mutairi travelled to Dubai to study them. She stayed there for a week just taking rides, talking to the women and taking notes about the positive impacts and challenges.
Speaking on the challenges of Kuwait that may face the drivers, who will begin their routes in approximately a month’s time, Al-Mutairi said that people may be taken aback at first by the pink colored cars going around.
“They may stare, honk or even try to harass. However, that may be normal for Kuwait in the beginning until the society gets used to the idea. The drivers are instructed to call our lawyers with the license number of any vehicle that goes overboard. They, in turn, will go to the police station and report the incident,” she explained.

According to Al-Mutairi, the vehicles and drivers are completely insured and secure. The service will operate from 8 am to 8 pm and the vehicles are equipped with GPS systems covering the routes of the governorates of Hawalli, Asma and Farwaniya so far. The cars are Nissan, painted pink with perfumed and comfortable interiors that contain woman magazines, music CDs as well as Quranic CDs.
“The fares of the taxi rides will be equal to any other taxi service in Kuwait as per the rules and regulations of the Ministry of Interior and the drivers are licensed, qualified and have experience on the roads of Kuwait. They are currently under training but are very enthusiastic to start,” she said.
Al-Mutairi added that the female drivers will be compensated very well as their salaries are similar to the salary of the average secretary.

On the future, Al-Mutairi is hoping to expand the service after it takes off and is successful as there has been a very positive reaction from the female population of Kuwait so far.
She thought that mostly expatriates will be open to the idea; however, Kuwaiti women have been pestering her about the launch date. Kuwaiti businesswomen, mothers, housewives and students are the service’s main client because they are comfortable with a lady driving them and their kids around.
“The investment companies that refused my project in the beginning are now offering their help in promoting it, so hopefully everything will go well according to plan.” concluded Al-Mutairi. 
 

It seems the past few days I have been inundated with emails telling me I am 'wrong' about the bidoons, and they shouldn't receive citizenship, etc. blah blah blah.

To that I say -- HUMAN RIGHTS, people! I am not implying bidoons should be handed citizenship, salaries, homes, ministry jobs, and all of the other Kuwaiti benefits. But I am saying they are people, and their human rights are not being met. This is a CRIME.

Now, for those of you who disagree I suggest you read the Human Rights Act, and understand Kuwait is a country which agreed to this act, and signed on to it. Therefore, in the future, understand exactly the message I am attempting to convey, and the cause I support before sending emails filled with selfish fear of losing your 2010 Mercedes because another human might get a meal every now and then.

Shame shame shame.

Haram!

New Year's Resolutions? Blah -- not for me. And it's a good thing since I woke up the first day of the year following the same schedule and routine I always do. I don't believe in resolutions because I believe it's just another way to set ourselves up for failure. Additionally, I believe we should work towards positive goals every day -- not just the first day of the year.

Now I'll get back to the regular venting I usually do here and call it a day. My sleeping! What's up with it?! Though I am still in America, my sleeping seems to have gone back to Kuwaiti time! I drag out of bed every morning feeling like death, not eating until almost dinner time, napping by 5pm, and then waking up like it's time to start the day. By 11pm I am ready to cook, clean, do laundry, and be a functional human being, but instead I find myself tossing and turning in the bed unable to get to sleep until about 3am. I just don't get it! And I'm not liking it very much either.

Several months ago I blogged about 'cleaning house' and getting rid of all the people in my life who just didn't deserve to be here. I did rather well. However, I am starting to think another house cleaning is in order. I find myself in this constant struggle of guilt about whether or not I am being a good person, doing the right thing, being a good friend, etc. When I evaluate the situation, and share my experiences with friends -- it seems they agree. Sure, I am sharing one side of the story, but it's the only side I know... my own. That being said, I think serious change is in order. I'll let you know how that worked out.

Now that I've pinned down a few things I would like to change, I would like to say these are not resolutions, just realizations. I don't have a clue where to begin. Ever see those really 'well put together' people whose lives seem to always be in order, they're always moving forward, and they never seem to miss a beat? Well, I'm not one of them! If you are, please feel free to write me with tips, tricks, ideas, and advice -- I am open!

And there you have it -- the venting of the American Girl. Nothing new, nothing exciting, just the same ol' drama. When I start to feel like my life is one big circle, I know something has to change soon or I'll go insane. OK, more insane.

Below are the Links to "About Being Without" in English and Arabic. This is a very important issue in Kuwait, and something I am very passionate about. I believe we have a responsibility to bring attention to this in hopes of making necessary changes to ensure all human rights are being met, and people all over the world are being treated humanely.

http://www.refintl.org/sites/default/files/Kuwait_statelessrpt.pdf

http://www.refintl.org/sites/default/files/stateless_report_arabic.pdf

http://www.refintl.org/policy/in-depth-report/about-being-without-stories-stateless-kuwait

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This is my last post of 2009 (American time). It's already 2010 in Kuwait -- happy new year!

For this post I thought I would say how important human rights and equality for all is to me. I understand we're not there yet, but I do have faith in humanity, and perhaps I won't be alive to see it, but I believe it will happen one day. I truly believe people will no longer be judged based on the color of their skin, ethnicity, religion, financial status, etc.

Often I say I am one person and I can make only a small difference. But there are many of us with the same ideas and goals. Insha'Allah with enough of us making our small differences, in the end it will be big. One person who truly takes extensive action to make a difference is  Fawzia Salem Al-Sabah. This woman has done as much as one person can for human rights in Kuwait, for bidoons of Kuwait, and for minority nationalities in Kuwait. This is a person who truly doesn't judge others based on their ethnicity or social status. She is kind, compassionate, and geniunely caring about the well being of others. Keep in mind, it would be quite easy for her to spend her days at the salon, or traveling the world, closing her eyes to the needs of others. She is affluent, and probably wants for nothing in life. Yet she takes the time to invest her compassion into making the lives of others better.

If more people would follow in the footsteps of this selfless woman, and care for others the way she does, I have no doubt we would see more changes in the quality of life for many people in Kuwait.

Fawzia, thank you for all you do. I pray you are appreciated by everyone who has ever encountered you and all you have to offer. You are a unique, yet genuine woman who brings hope to many. Masha'Allah.

 

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It will be 2010 in about 45 minutes in Kuwait and a little over 8 hours here in America! Happy New Year, all. I hope this year brings happiness and comfort to all.