Al-Hawila: No restrictions on 'charitable work'

Minister of Social Affairs and Labor Dr. Amthal Al-Huwaili affirmed that the primary and highest objective of the new law regulating charitable work is to organize, develop, and sustain charitable and humanitarian efforts, not to restrict them or dry up their sources. She stressed the importance of adhering to legal and administrative regulations and enhancing the principles of transparency, integrity, and governance, thereby preserving Kuwait’s renowned reputation and history in this field.

This statement was made during a meeting between Al-Huwaili and representatives of charitable entities and associations, aimed at discussing the provisions of the new law regulating charitable work and hearing their observations and proposals regarding the law’s executive regulations.

Al-Huwaili emphasized the importance of complying with legal and administrative controls concerning the selection of personnel in the charitable sector, foremost among which is security clearance. She clarified that this measure stems from a commitment to due diligence, not from ill intentions or accusations against anyone, but in line with standard practices in government sector recruitment. She confirmed the Ministry’s readiness to provide assistance in this regard.

She called for the localization of charitable work and the redirection of its proceeds domestically as much as possible to meet the needs of society’s members, stating, “Our people in society are most deserving and entitled to this.”

She explained that the Ministry is currently preparing the executive regulations for the new law, noting that she had directed the relevant committee to ensure the participation of representatives of registered charitable entities in the country, alongside engaging experts in the charitable sector, to develop regulations that enhance donor confidence and enable charitable entities to continue their contributions and humanitarian projects.

She pointed out that some individuals with weak resolve have exploited the names of charitable associations to carry out activities beyond the Ministry’s oversight and without obtaining prior approval, stressing that the reputation of these associations is a top priority for the Ministry.

Al-Huwaili affirmed that charitable associations remain, despite some irregularities that may arise in charitable work or the emergence of opportunists and interlopers, the right hand of the Ministry and the true support for strengthening Kuwaiti charitable and humanitarian efforts. She stressed that the upcoming phase requires integrated efforts to ensure the sustainability of charitable work and to preserve Kuwait’s leadership in this field.