Social Affairs Minister: Security checks for 'Al-Khairi' staff stem from caution, not ill intent
During her meeting with representatives of charitable organizations to discuss the provisions of the new law regulating charitable work, Minister of Social Affairs Amtal Al-Huwailin emphasized the following points:
We stress the importance of adhering to the legal and administrative controls governing the selection of personnel in the charitable sector, with security clearance inquiries taking precedence. This approach is driven by a commitment to due diligence rather than ill will or accusations against anyone, and aligns with standard practices in government sector recruitment. The Ministry is fully prepared to assist in this regard.
It is essential to select personnel who possess a high degree of experience and competence, and who are well-suited for the positions they will assume, thereby reinforcing the principles of transparency and integrity in operations. We also emphasize the adoption of governance frameworks, given the significant importance of the charitable sector.
We underscore the importance of localizing charitable work and directing its proceeds domestically to the greatest extent possible, to meet the needs of our fellow citizens, who are most deserving of such support.
Kuwaiti charitable work serves as a regional and global beacon, widely recognized across the world. The white hands of Kuwaiti charitable societies have extended aid and assistance to the needy and disaster victims from one end of the globe to the other.
We are working on preparing the executive regulations for the new law. The relevant committee has been directed to ensure the participation of representatives of registered charitable organizations in the country, alongside consulting with experts in the charitable sector, to facilitate the issuance of regulations that enhance donor confidence and enable these organizations to continue their charitable and humanitarian projects.
We strive to achieve sustainability in charitable and humanitarian work through joint efforts between the Ministry and registered charitable organizations. The projects undertaken by these organizations have garnered widespread praise from representatives of diplomatic missions in the country.
The primary and highest objective of the new law is to regulate charitable work, not to restrict it or dry up its sources, but rather to develop it, ensure its sustainability, and preserve the brilliance of Kuwait’s charitable and humanitarian history. This is particularly important to fulfill Kuwait’s commitments to the international community and to successfully pass evaluations conducted by United Nations organizations.
Regrettably, we have identified instances where some individuals of weak character have exploited the names of charitable organizations to conduct activities outside the Ministry’s oversight and without prior approval. We affirm that the reputation of these organizations is our top priority.
It is imperative to establish an “open line” between charitable organizations and the Ministry to enable immediate reporting of any exploitation, whether through launching non-compliant projects or collecting donations, so that necessary measures can be taken to safeguard the reputation of charitable work.
Our doors are open to receive any proposals or address any issues that may hinder operations, as well as to respond to any inquiries.
Regardless of some irregularities that may arise in charitable work or the emergence of certain opportunists and interlopers, charitable organizations remain the “right hand” of the Ministry and the true pillar for strengthening Kuwaiti charitable and humanitarian efforts.
