Is the stateless (Bidoun Jinsiya) cause for spring in Kuwait? The right to peaceful community education reform

Abstract

Kuwait has long been considered the ‘desert flower’ of the Gulf, the Arab state most likely to become a democracy due to its progressive outlook, a relative freedom of speech and liberal society. This vision is interrupted by the problem of rights, access to rights and participation of stateless people in Kuwait. The Bidoun Jinsiya of Kuwait are stateless people. Law reform has allocated the Bidoun Jinsiya different classes of identity status, delivered to some limited rights, others full citizenship, while others have received no benefits at all. Representation of the stateless occurs in a confused atmosphere where it is difficult to tell who has what rights and sustained, organised protest for rights has led to some pundits calling for ‘Spring in Kuwait.’ They face challenges representing themselves authentically and constructing a sustainable claim to rights. Despite this, they demonstrate agency and integration in the community with Kuwaitis. As some stateless people struggle for citizenship, a model of reform that includes inclusive community education can help Kuwait achieve its future goals set out in Kuwaitisation policy. So far Kuwaitis are reluctant to study courses and work in the vocational and technical fields. Considering the stateless have a history of specialist economic participation in Kuwait, there is an opportunity for them to provide service in these fields to fill this gap. This would involve a ‘Spring in Kuwait’ of another kind: increased participation for the stateless through education and employment and more satisfying study and career options for citizens.