Minister (Affairs): Law regulating charitable and humanitarian work lays foundation for new phase of governance and transparency

Kuwait City, Sept 13 (KUNA) -- Minister of Social Affairs, Family, and Childhood Dr. Amthal Al-Huwaila affirmed today that Legislative Decree-Law No. (87) of 2026, issuing the Law Regulating Charitable and Humanitarian Work, represents a new stage in the development and regulation of charitable and humanitarian activities in the State of Kuwait, thereby enhancing governance and transparency.

Speaking to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) on the occasion of the law’s issuance, Minister Al-Huwaila stated that the legislation established a comprehensive legal and institutional framework to regulate charitable and humanitarian work, strengthen oversight and compliance, and mitigate the risks of its exploitation for illicit purposes, particularly money laundering and terrorist financing.

She explained that the law provides for the establishment of the National Center for Charitable and Humanitarian Work, which will be responsible for regulating and overseeing various aspects of charitable and humanitarian activities in the country, setting necessary policies, strategies, and controls to develop them, and enhancing coordination with relevant entities.

Furthermore, the law established the Kuwait Fund for Humanitarian Work to support and develop charitable and humanitarian activities, qualify its workforce, and conduct related studies and research.

The minister noted that the law regulated donation campaigns regarding licensing, collection methods, bank accounts, spending controls, and financial disclosure, ensuring that donations are directed to their designated purposes. It also regulated electronic and cash-based donation collection in accordance with prescribed regulations.

Al-Huwaila highlighted that the law placed special emphasis on protecting the data and privacy of donors and beneficiaries, prohibiting the filming or publication of images and recordings of beneficiaries for the purpose of collecting or promoting donations, except in accordance with established regulations to preserve their dignity.

She pointed out that the law regulated the establishment and management of charitable and humanitarian associations and endowments, their financial resources, and oversight thereof. It mandated these entities to enhance transparency and integrity and conduct their financial transactions through official channels. Additionally, it prohibited engaging in political or sectarian activities, dealing with illegal entities, or accepting anonymous donations.

The minister added that the law strengthened the oversight and accountability system by granting certain employees of the Center the status of judicial police authority, establishing disciplinary councils, and assigning the investigation, prosecution, and adjudication of the crimes stipulated therein to the Public Prosecution.

She informed that the executive regulations of the law will be issued within six months from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette. Existing charitable and humanitarian associations and endowments will be required to regularize their status within the periods specified by law. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Social Affairs will exercise the Center’s competencies until its establishment is completed and the regulations governing its work are issued.

Emphasizing that the law, comprising 96 articles distributed across seven chapters, lays the foundation for a modern system for charitable and humanitarian work that protects donors’ funds, safeguards the dignity and privacy of beneficiaries, enhances public trust, and preserves the reputation of Kuwaiti charitable work and the humanitarian standing of the State of Kuwait, both domestically and internationally. (End) A.Y.S. / K.D.A.