Dire Situation For Transsexuals In Kuwait (Disturbing Video)

While there may be greater injustices in the world, eg Darfur, each breach of human rights needs to be addressed.

In 1996 Kuwait became a signatory to the UN International Covenant on Human and Political Rights. The action that Allanah has highlighted clearly breaches this commitment.

I live in New Zealand and I have now written to the New Zealand Government expressing my outrage about this action and demanding that they follow up with Kuwait directly and through the UN. I encourage everyone to contact your national representatives and do the same.

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Originally Posted by ARMANIXXX

I think it's a damn shame.

But at the same time, I want to recognize and respect the laws, traditions, cultural differences and ways of other countries.

While I don't want anything bad to happen to anyone, I don't think it's reasonable to condemn Kuwait for doing things the way they see fit over there. It's also not reasonable, in my opinion, to believe every other culture/country is supposed to be like that of the United States.

Am I wrong?

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You're absolutely right that we should respect the laws, tradition and cultural differences of others. Indeed many of the recent international tensions have resulted from attempts to impose Western values on others.

This situation is different. Article 26 of the "International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights" states:

Article 26

All persons are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to the equal protection of the law. In this respect, the law shall prohibit any discrimination and guarantee to all persons equal and effective protection against discrimination on any ground such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.

http://www.unhchr.ch/html/menu3/b/a_ccpr.htm

Kuwait ratified this agreement in 1996. To now pass legislation as outlined earlier in this thread is directly in breach of this agreement and should not be tolerated - by anyone.

Sorry people,but I think you make a great mistake. You try to compare Middle Ages with the 21st century.

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Originally Posted by Dodika

Sorry people,but I think you make a great mistake. You try to compare Middle Ages with the 21st century.

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That is one of the dumbest comments I've seen here.

This is the 21st century for you, for me and for the girl in the video. We need to address this issue now.

I assume you're referring to the Muslim religion in your "middle ages" comment. From what I know of the Muslim religion, it is a noble and sincere religion which has many similar values to Christianity and Buddhism. If someone chooses to follow Buddhism, Christianity, Islam or Judaism or no religion at all - then I'm certainly not going to criticise them.

However I will condemn a country why willingly signs up to an international agreement on human rights and then passes legislation in contradiction of the human rights charter. Hopefully others will similarly criticise this action and we'll have the legislation removed.

Do what you can.

Man you misunderstood me. Middle ages is not refering to religion, but to the government. In a country where the religion is not separated from politics you will be never allowed to live your own life. The best example is Lebanon. There are two kinds of muslims: "modern" muslims wearing european clothes and "conservative" muslims who fight against them. There are clearly visible two worlds inside the same country. By the way a lot of countries signed up to international agreements without accepting them.

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Originally Posted by Dodika

Man you misunderstood me. Middle ages is not refering to religion, but to the government. In a country where the religion is not separated from politics you will be never allowed to live your own life.

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Kuwait has an elected parliament - indeed the oldest elected parliament system in the region. It's a secular government, although there is certainly recognition of the Islamic faith - much like Malaysia. Also remember that Kuwait is very rich - the 4th highest GDP per person in the world.

There are only 3 countries where religion controls politics to the extent you suggest - Iran, Israel and the Vatican City.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Dodika

By the way a lot of countries signed up to international agreements without accepting them.

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So, we just ignore it? We have a Human Rights Commission responsible for ensuring that signatories comply with their commitments.

Getting back to the issue, what other actions can be taken to help these girls?

Thank you Allanah for bringing this to the attention of the forum,
and thanks also to those who contributed positive and insightful
responses.