Kuwait: Activists protesting in Taima area of Al-Jahra Feb. 11

Event

Members of the Bidoon (stateless) community are protesting at Freedom Square in the Taima area of Al-Jahra as of Feb. 11. The purpose of the demonstration is to demand citizenship and other such related civil rights.

Localized road travel disruptions are possible in the Taima area if protesters initiate marches through the streets. Security forces will likely deploy to monitor gatherings. Confrontations are possible if protests become disruptive or protesters ignore police orders to disperse.

Context

The Kuwaiti Bidoon are native-born residents of the country but are technically not citizens because their ancestors were not granted citizenship following the end of British rule in 1961. As such, the Bidoon - who constitute roughly 10 percent of Kuwait's population - are unable to access government benefits or obtain documentation for births or marriages. Since the formation of modern Kuwait, critics have routinely accused authorities of failing to adequately address the concerns of the Bidoon community. Kuwaiti Bidoon regularly hold sporadic protests owing to their lack of rights.

Advice

Avoid the Taima area Feb. 11. Avoid all demonstrations and concentrations of security personnel. Plan for localized road travel disruptions in the impact area.