The 56th ordinary session of the Permanent Arab Committee on Human Rights commenced today, Monday, with the participation of Kuwait and representatives from Arab states concerned with human rights issues.

Key Highlights:

1. Arab League's Strong Condemnation of Gaza Crisis
In his opening address, Ahmed Meghari, Director of the Arab League's Human Rights Department, stated:

• "No discussion of human rights can ignore the catastrophic situation in Gaza, where securing basic survival needs has become a matter of life and death."

• "The atrocities in Palestine test our commitment to human rights values and impose an inescapable moral duty on us all."

• Criticized international inaction: "The Palestinian people endure daily bombardment, destruction, and killing while the global community remains silent – a failure to uphold international justice against the occupying power's defiance of UN resolutions and ICJ rulings."

2. Committee's Historic Role & Current Challenges
Meghari noted:

• The Committee, established in September 1968, has strengthened the Arab human rights framework through "legal texts and practices" while fostering ties with regional/international partners.

• Emerging threats like "climate change, AI's impact on rights, and imported ideologies violating human dignity" compound traditional challenges of violence and conflict.

• Urged "enhanced Arab solidarity and collective action to achieve peace, stability, and societal security."

3. Agenda Focus: Palestine & Arab Charter
Chaired by Ambassador Talal Al-Mutairi, the two-day session will address:

• Implementation progress on recommendations from the 55th session

• Israeli violations in occupied Arab territories, including:

  • Arbitrary detainment of Arab prisoners

  • Withholding Palestinian/Arab martyrs' remains in "cemeteries of numbers"

• The Arab Charter on Human Rights and preparations for the Arab Human Rights Day (March 16, 2026)

4. Kuwait's Delegation
Led by Assistant Foreign Minister for Human Rights H.E. Ambassador Sheikha Jawaher Ibrahim Al-Duaij Al-Sabah, Kuwait's team is actively engaged in the discussions.