Kuwait

Kuwaiti authorities continue to use provisions in the constitution, the national security law, and the country’s cybercrime law to restrict free speech and prosecute dissidents, particularly focusing on comments made on social media. Kuwait is falling behind on reforming its kafala (sponsorship) system, which leaves migrant workers vulnerable to abuse and forced labor.  The Bidun, a community of stateless people who claim Kuwaiti nationality, remain in legal limbo while the government resorts to coercion and penalizes peaceful community activism.