Is the stateless (Bidoun Jinsiya) cause for spring in Kuwait? The right to peaceful community education reform
Date
2013
Authors
Kennedy, S.
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Type:
Journal article
Citation
West East Journal of Social Sciences, 2013; 2(2):73-87
Statement of Responsibility
Susan Kennedy
Conference Name
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.
School/Discipline
Dissertation Note
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Description
This article links the issue of statelessness in the Arab states, in particular Kuwait, with the national economic, employment and education policies in the region such as 'Kuwaitisation.' It describes gaps in the economic policy that are well aligned with the established needs of stateless populations. Local demands for the education and employment of Arab peoples in the Gulf in particular areas, can be fulfilled through the inclusion and engagement of stateless communities. This in turn can broaden areas of opportunity for local citizens who have responded to some aspects of national economic policy with resistance.
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