NEW YORK: Kuwait has reiterated importance of promoting and respecting human rights, saying peace is a fundamental human rights principle. "Seeking to boost human rights will only come into fruition by cooperation and coordination among member countries, regional and sub-regional organizations with the UN agencies, government and NGOs in order to achieve a sustainable world," attache Abdullah Al-Asfour told a UN General Assembly session discussing Human Rights Council's report on Wednesday.

He noted that UN bodies are always seeking to see people of the world enjoy basic rights with the objective of achieving sustainable development in a peaceful, secured and safe world. Countries are characterized by the degree of respect of human rights, said Asfour, therefore human rights should be an integral part in the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Since its independence, he added, Kuwait has been keen on achieving justice and equality in all fields, a matter guaranteed by the Gulf country's constitution "which is considered the guarantor and first line of defense of human rights". Kuwait, he said, honored most of the SDGs' criteria as part of its quest to eliminate poverty and hunger, provide education for all and bridging the gaps between genders, in addition to providing healthcare as well as freedom of press and speech.

Kuwait also ratified an agreement that prohibited discrimination against women, he said. Asfour condemned human right violations against the Palestinian people by the Zionist occupation and against Rohingya Muslims in a blatant breach of international law and international humanitarian law, calling for their immediate end. - KUNA