Dr Hessa Al-Shaheen
Dr Khalid Al-Saleh
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Panel urges regional unity against tobacco industry tactics
KUWAIT: On the occasion of World No-Tobacco Day, observed annually on May 31, the Kuwait Society for Controlling Smoking and Cancer hosted a virtual panel discussion titled: “Decision Makers… Methods of Promoting Smoking.” The event brought together experts and specialists in tobacco control to examine the influence of industry tactics and propose effective counter-strategies.
Dr Hessa Al-Shaheen, a board member of the society, moderated the discussion, welcoming participants and underscoring the need for dialogue between decision-makers and civil society to shape policies that curb tobacco use.
Key speakers included Dr Khalid Ahmed Al-Saleh, Chairman of the Society; Dr Ibtihal Fadel, Chair of the Eastern Mediterranean NCD Alliance; Dr Fatima Al-Awa, Regional Advisor for the Tobacco Free Initiative at the World Health Organization (WHO); and Dr Amal Al-Yahya, Rapporteur of the National Program to Combat Smoking.
The symposium opened with a presentation by Dr Fatima Al-Awa, titled “Debunking Tobacco Companies.” She highlighted the misleading marketing practices of tobacco companies targeting youth, particularly in the Eastern Mediterranean region, where consumption is on the rise. Dr Al-Awa warned of the industry’s efforts to influence health policies, which undermines regional tobacco control efforts. She concluded by presenting WHO’s key recommendations—strengthening governance, protecting policy-making from commercial influence, and increasing taxes on tobacco products—as critical steps to reduce consumption.
Next, Dr Khalid Al-Saleh delivered a presentation on “The Health Effects of Smoking and its Alternatives.” He reviewed recent data linking tobacco use to various cancers and debunked claims that alternatives like e-cigarettes are “less harmful.” Citing emerging scientific evidence, he stressed that no form of tobacco use is safe and that full cessation remains the only effective option. Dr Al-Saleh emphasized the importance of regional collaboration among NGOs, in partnership with WHO, to counter the influence of tobacco companies.
Dr Ibtihal Fadel followed with a presentation on “The Role of NGOs in Tobacco Control,” emphasizing the importance of activating civil society’s role in shaping health policy and public awareness campaigns. She noted that social media is a powerful tool for reaching young people—the primary target of tobacco advertising—and urged NGOs to expose deceptive marketing and push for stricter laws. Dr Fadel also highlighted successful case studies from the region and called for a cultural shift that frames smoking as a socially and medically unacceptable behavior. She concluded by pointing to the upcoming high-level meeting on non-communicable diseases (NCDs) as a vital opportunity to mobilize support for regional and global tobacco control.
Finally, Dr Amal Al-Yahya presented on “The Importance of an Integrated Approach in Confronting the Tobacco Industry.” She shared recent data on smoking rates in Kuwait, particularly among youth, and outlined national policies aligned with WHO’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. Dr Al-Yahya advocated for a cross-sectoral strategy—engaging health, education, and legislative bodies—to counter industry influence and strengthen preventive efforts.
The session closed with remarks from Dr Hessa Al-Shaheen, who thanked the speakers and participants for their contributions, highlighting the value of continued collaboration and scientific dialogue in this critical public health area. This event is part of the society’s broader mission to raise awareness about the dangers of tobacco, advocate for stronger public health policies, and promote smoke-free environments in line with Kuwait’s national and international commitments.
KUWAIT: Minister of Commerce and Industry, and Chairman of the Public Authority for Industry (PAI) Khalifa Al-Ajeel said on Monday that protecting the commercial and industrial system is a “national responsibility that requires concerted efforts.”
Minister Al-Ajeel emphasized in a statement to KUNA following an extensive inspection campaign in the south Amghara scrap yard, to “firmly deal with all violations and encroachments in accordance with legal frameworks where no one is above the law.”
Al-Ajeel confirmed the continuation of inspection campaigns as well until the desired goals are reached, foremost being is restoring order and discipline to the area and removing all violations and encroachments.
He affirmed the ministry and the PAI’s commitment to cooperating with relevant authorities to continue these campaigns to ensure a safe and organized industrial and commercial environment.
The campaign resulted in the seizure of several violations and closure of several non-compliant units in preparation for taking necessary legal action against their exploiters.
Participating in the campaign was General Fire Force (KFF) Chief Major General Talal Al-Roumi, along with several executive leaders from the PAI. — KUNA
CAIRO: The 56th regular session of the Arab Permanent Committee for Human Rights commenced on Monday with the participation of Kuwait and representatives from Arab states concerned with human rights affairs. In his opening address, Ahmed Maghari, supervisor of the Human Rights Department at the League of Arab States, underscored the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, calling it a stark indicator of the region’s human rights reality. “We cannot speak of the state of human rights without acknowledging the catastrophic conditions faced by our brothers in Gaza, where securing the most basic necessities has become a matter of survival,” he said. Maghari described the ongoing Zionist aggression in Gaza as a profound moral and humanitarian challenge, noting that the Palestinian people continue to endure daily suffering under constant bombardment, displacement and destruction. He lamented the international community’s continued inaction in the face of clear violations of international law and human rights norms. “The occupying power persists in defying international legitimacy and the decisions of the General Assembly, the Security Council, and the International Court of Justice,” he said.
The 56th session of the Arab Permanent Committee on Human Rights kicks off, chaired by Kuwait.- KUNA photos
Held at a time of mounting regional tensions, the session comes amid escalating challenges that directly affect fundamental human rights. Maghari highlighted the Committee’s historic role since its establishment in 1968 in developing the Arab human rights framework both legally and practically, while also fostering cooperation with regional and international partners. He expressed hope that the session would yield effective recommendations to help confront the pressing challenges in the region. He pointed to the rise of conflicts and violence globally, along with the resulting serious human rights violations, as major concerns.
Emerging issues such as the intersection of human rights with climate change, artificial intelligence, and the spread of alien ideologies that undermine human dignity were also noted. “In light of these challenges, we must reinforce our solidarity and collective action to enhance peace, stability, and the security of our societies,” Maghari added. The two-day session, chaired by Ambassador Talal Al-Mutairi, Chairman of the Arab Permanent Committee for Human Rights, will review the General Secretariat’s report on the implementation of previous recommendations up to the 55th session.
Discussions will also focus on Zionist violations in occupied Arab territories, the plight of Arab prisoners and detainees in Zionist prisons, and the issue of the bodies of Palestinian and Arab martyrs held in so-called “numbered cemeteries.” Other agenda items include the Arab Charter on Human Rights and preparations for Arab Human Rights Day, which will be observed on March 16, 2026. Kuwait is represented at the meeting by a delegation led by Assistant Foreign Minister for Human Rights Affairs Ambassador Sheikha Jawaher Ibrahim Al-Duaij Al-Sabah.— KUNA
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