Security inquiry for charity workers before appointment

Tariq Arabi: Dr. Amthal Al-Huwail, Minister of Social Affairs, Labor, Family and Childhood Affairs, confirmed that the new Charitable and Humanitarian Work Law aims to regulate charitable and humanitarian activities within a clear framework that facilitates continuity and development, rather than to restrict the associations and institutions operating in this field. She added that the relevant committee within the ministry is currently preparing the executive regulations for the Law Regulating Charitable and Humanitarian Work, with a view to issuing them as soon as possible.

During a meeting held yesterday afternoon with representatives of several charitable and humanitarian associations operating in Kuwait, Al-Huwail explained that the law mandates compliance with numerous regulations and laws, and imposes strict oversight on the activities and financial and procedural operations of charitable associations, as well as on their staff, each according to their respective responsibilities and jurisdictions.

Al-Huwail emphasized the importance of localizing charitable work and directing donations and charitable projects within Kuwait, citing the principle that “your best deeds are those directed to your own people.”

In this context, she stressed the importance of adhering to legal controls regarding the selection of staff in charitable associations, and the necessity of conducting security background checks on them as a precautionary measure before making appointment decisions, in order to protect, preserve, and safeguard donors’ funds.

The need to localize charitable work and strengthen the redirection of donations and charitable projects within Kuwait was emphasized. The Minister of Social Affairs announced that the executive regulations for the Charitable and Humanitarian Work Law are imminent.

The Minister of Social Affairs, Family, Youth and Child Development, Dr. Amthal Al-Huwail, held a meeting yesterday afternoon with several representatives of charitable and humanitarian associations operating in Kuwait. The meeting was attended by Acting Assistant Undersecretary for Social Care and Development and Director General of Social Development, Iman Al-Anzi, and Director of the Charitable Associations and Endowments Department, Abdulmohsen Al-Mikhaial, on the occasion of the issuance of the Law Regulating Charitable and Humanitarian Work.

Al-Huwail stated that the objective of the meeting was to review the provisions, definitions, and objectives of the new law, as well as all aspects related to its practical implementation, through a dialogue characterized by transparency and objectivity. She emphasized that the new law was enacted solely to regulate charitable and humanitarian work within a clear framework that facilitates continuity and development, rather than to restrict the operations of associations and institutions working in this field.

She added that the relevant committee within the ministry is currently preparing the executive regulations for the Law Regulating Charitable and Humanitarian Work, with a view to issuing them as soon as possible. She called on all relevant parties and specialists to submit their observations on the executive regulations before their final issuance.

Al-Huwail stressed the importance of continuous communication between the ministry and all charitable and humanitarian associations operating in Kuwait, which would facilitate the implementation of the law ensuring cooperation, exchange of views, and joint action. This, in turn, would enhance trust within society, empower associations to continue their humanitarian mission efficiently and sustainably, and consolidate Kuwait’s reputation and standing in all fields.

She affirmed that the Ministry of Social Affairs is undertaking this work in accordance with international conventions and Kuwait’s evaluations. The law seeks to regulate, distribute, and clarify responsibilities, enhance transparency and governance, and safeguard this important sector, which has a clear impact and footprint on Kuwait’s charitable landscape. This is based on shared responsibility between the ministry and charitable and humanitarian associations, requiring adherence to numerous regulations and laws, as well as strict oversight of the associations’ activities, financial and procedural operations, and even their employees, each according to their respective responsibilities and jurisdictions.

Al-Huwail noted that the law aims to protect the legacy of these associations from individuals with weak integrity who attempt to exploit the names of certain charitable associations. She called for the establishment of a direct, open hotline between the ministry and the associations to report any exploitation of charitable association names during various occasions or forums for fundraising purposes.

In this context, she stressed the importance of adhering to legal controls regarding the selection of employees in charitable associations and the necessity of conducting security checks on them as a precautionary measure before making appointment decisions. This is to protect, preserve, and safeguard donors’ funds and to enhance the efficiency of charitable work, thereby supporting integrity and governance within associations that play a significant role recognized globally.

Al-Huwail also emphasized the importance of localizing charitable work and strengthening the redirection of donations and charitable projects within Kuwait, citing the principle that “your best is for your own people.” Consequently, it is crucial to meet the needs of Kuwait’s domestic population, while simultaneously assisting other countries, all while adhering to legal controls that regulate such work.

In conclusion of her speech, Al-Huwail called on those managing charitable associations to combat “interlopers” in Kuwait’s charitable sector, in order to preserve and protect this sector from any interventions that could harm or negatively impact it.