Al-Hawaila: Updating "Social" Legislation

Kuwait’s Minister of Social Affairs, Labor, and Social Development, Dr. Amthal Al-Huwaili, reaffirmed Kuwait’s commitment to supporting joint Arab social efforts, strengthening social protection, and empowering women, persons with disabilities, and the elderly. She made these remarks during her address at the 84th ordinary session of the Executive Office of the Council of Arab Ministers of Social Affairs, held in Cairo, where she called for addressing social challenges and combating multidimensional poverty through practical programs with clear objectives and tangible impact.

Dr. Al-Huwaili stated that Kuwait continues to update its social legislation and services, highlighting legislative amendments in the fields of domestic violence protection and drug control, as well as new regulations on volunteer work and media organization. She also noted the preparation and submission of draft laws concerning the rights of children and persons with disabilities.

She explained that the Family Protection Program, approved by the Cabinet last May, constitutes a comprehensive framework to support family stability, involving participation from various state ministries and institutions, under the supervision of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs to coordinate initiatives, monitor their outcomes and challenges, and submit recommendations to the Cabinet.

Regarding women’s empowerment, Dr. Al-Huwaili noted that Kuwait supports training, entrepreneurship, small businesses, and the “Boutique 33” project to support productive families. She also mentioned the establishment of the Women’s Affairs Committee to follow up on national efforts and international indicators, and to work toward creating an integrated national platform for women.

She added that among these efforts is the launch of Kuwait’s award for women’s excellence, “Maqam wa Tamkeen” (Status and Empowerment), under the patronage of Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, a step reflecting the country’s interest in enhancing women’s presence and role in development pathways.

Dr. Al-Huwaili outlined the efforts of the Supreme National Committee for Monitoring the Implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, including providing educational and employment opportunities, assistive devices, reasonable accommodations, and family rehabilitation, as well as launching Kuwait’s Creativity Award for Persons with Disabilities and developing services for the elderly that preserve their dignity and support their independence.

She emphasized the importance of leveraging digital transformation to improve services and facilitate access while protecting privacy and data confidentiality.

Dr. Al-Huwaili stressed that the current situation in the region necessitates strengthening Arab solidarity and supporting affected countries and peoples, foremost among them the fraternal Palestinian people, and backing programs and projects that protect children, families, and the most vulnerable groups, ensuring their access to essential care and services.

She prayed to God to protect countries and peoples, perpetuate the blessings of security and safety, lift afflictions from affected nations, and spread peace and stability across the region.

Dr. Al-Huwaili reaffirmed Kuwait’s commitment to continuing cooperation with member states and the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States, and to exchanging expertise to support social protection, family cohesion, and social inclusion. She expressed her hope that the Executive Office’s work would contribute to formulating practical decisions for the 46th session of the Council of Arab Ministers of Social Affairs, linked to clear implementation pathways, regular monitoring, and tangible impact on the lives of Arab citizens.