Minister of Justice: Family Protection Program is a government priority requiring coordinated efforts
Justice Minister and Legal Advisor Nasser Al-Sumeit affirmed that the government program for family protection represents the first comprehensive government initiative dedicated to safeguarding families and children in the State of Kuwait, noting that it constitutes one of the priorities outlined in the government’s work program.
This statement was made by Minister Al-Sumeit during the inaugural meeting of the government program for family protection, attended by Minister of Social Affairs, Labor, and Social Development Dr. Amal Al-Huwail, Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Dr. Muhammad Al-Osaimi, Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology and Acting Minister of Information and Culture Omar Al-Omar, along with various officials and representatives of participating entities.
Al-Sumeit stated that the program, which encompasses 86 initiatives distributed across 13 government entities, enjoys the endorsement of the political leadership and the support of Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, reflecting the significance of the family and child protection file and the necessity of translating it into actionable and measurable initiatives. He emphasized that the state’s approach focuses on addressing the root causes of family problems rather than merely dealing with their consequences, affirming that protecting families and children is a shared responsibility that extends beyond any single government entity.
He noted that the program’s success requires government entities to operate within a unified and integrated framework, exchanging information and expertise while providing support and consultations to transform initiatives into a cohesive government pathway. Al-Sumeit praised the role of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs in overseeing the program’s implementation and monitoring its initiatives, commending Minister Al-Huwail’s expertise and follow-up on the file as crucial factors in ensuring the program’s success and achieving its objectives.
He underscored the importance of the Ministry of Information’s role in highlighting implemented government initiatives in the field of family and child protection and conveying awareness messages to society, explaining that the success of any initiative is incomplete without public awareness and an understanding of its impact. He also highlighted the significance of the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs in promoting family awareness through monthly sermons and programs addressing family issues such as marriage, divorce, financial support, filial piety, and family disputes, leveraging the widespread presence of mosques, preachers, and social media to enhance public consciousness.
Al-Sumeit stated that combating bullying in schools requires a clear program developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, distinguishing between educational issues requiring administrative intervention within schools and actions necessitating legal or criminal intervention. He added that Kuwait possesses an advanced system for dealing with child victims, juvenile offenders, and children who commit crimes, commending the expertise of personnel in the Juvenile Police, Juvenile Prosecution, the Ministry of Justice, and relevant authorities.
He highlighted Kuwait’s experience in caring for juveniles as a distinguished model, having been presented to specialized international bodies following praise from international experts regarding the level of programs, facilities, and services provided to juveniles in the country. He noted that previous challenges included some entities operating in isolation, weak media and international visibility of national efforts, and a lack of clear coordination among initiatives and projects, despite the excellence of many of them.
He called for starting with easy and executable initiatives that do not require large budgets, complex procedures, or long timelines, thereby contributing to early results and enhancing public confidence in the program. He affirmed that the enactment of the Domestic Violence Law contributed to rapid positive outcomes, including a 33 percent reduction in domestic violence crimes during the first three months of its implementation, resulting from cooperation among government experts, civil society organizations, the Juvenile Police, and relevant legal and judicial authorities.
Al-Sumeit stated that this example underscores the importance of well-considered legal amendments and the utilization of field expertise when drafting laws and policies related to family and child protection. He stressed that plans fail to achieve their objectives unless they are transformed into executable programs and initiatives with clear indicators for measuring impact, monitoring results, and adjusting courses as needed.
He affirmed that the Ministry of Justice is a key partner in implementing the program by providing legal support and specialized consultations, contributing to the preparation of legislation and laws related to family and child protection, and supporting programs concerning juveniles, child victims, and domestic violence. He emphasized the necessity for all entities to recognize the program’s importance, work with a spirit of teamwork, and prioritize family and child protection in government performance to achieve tangible results that enhance family stability and protect society.
