ChChapter 2: Origins and influences of nationality law Kuwait, can also be considered as expressions of the inclusiveness of religious ties regardless of nationality status.60 But also with regard to the enjoyment of nationality rights, the role of the culture and religion can be a very positive one. A concrete example is the inclusion of the right to a nationality in both the Arab Charter of Human Rights61 and the Covenant on the Rights of the Child in Islam.62 This means that countries in the region are committed to protecting nationality rights not just through relevant commitments to UN instruments but also through their own region and context-specific normative frameworks. The central importance which is placed on the development of a family and the protection of the family unit within Arab culture and Islamic traditions may also be an avenue for the strengthening of nationality rights. For example, marriage is a religious duty in Islam and serves to fulfil half of a Muslim’s religious duties. Recent research conducted in the MENA demonstrates the detrimental effect of gendered nationality policies and of statelessness on the ability to marry, start a family and maintain the family structure, thereby suggesting that the improvement of nationality policy 60 - Issue brought up by both Kuwaiti and Bidoon interviewees during meetings conducted by Z. Albarazi in the context of field research in Kuwait for the Women’s Refugee Commission project on the impact of gender discrimination in nationality laws, March 2013. 61 - Article 29. 62 - Article 7. 51