Minister of Justice: Family Protection Program is a government priority requiring integrated efforts - Sarmad
(KUNA) – Justice Minister and Advisor Nasser Al-Sameet affirmed that the government program for family protection constitutes the first comprehensive government initiative dedicated to safeguarding families and children in the State of Kuwait, noting that it represents one of the priorities outlined in the government’s work program.
This statement was made by Minister Al-Sameet during the inaugural meeting of the government program for family protection, attended by Minister of Social Affairs, Labor, and Social Development Dr. Amthal Al-Huwaili, Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Dr. Mohammed Al-Osaimi, Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology and Acting Minister of Media and Culture Omar Al-Omar, along with several officials and representatives of participating entities.
Al-Sameet 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. This reflects the significance of the family and child protection file and the necessity of transforming it into actionable and measurable initiatives.
He clarified that the state’s approach focuses on addressing the root causes of family problems rather than merely dealing with their consequences, emphasizing 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 system, facilitating the exchange of information and expertise while providing support and consultations, thereby turning initiatives into a cohesive government pathway.
He praised the role of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs in overseeing the implementation of the program and monitoring its initiatives, commending Minister Al-Huwaili’s expertise and follow-up on the file as key factors in ensuring the program’s success and achieving its objectives.
Al-Sameet underscored the importance of the Ministry of Media’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 informing the public about it and demonstrating its impact.
He also pointed out the importance of the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs’ role in family awareness by dedicating sermons and monthly programs to address 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 awareness.
Al-Sameet stated that combating bullying in schools requires a clear program developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, which distinguishes between educational problems requiring administrative intervention within the school and actions warranting 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, noting that it was previously 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 explained that the previous challenge lay in some entities operating in isolation, weak media and international visibility for 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 the display of early results and enhancing public trust in the program.
He affirmed that the enactment of the Domestic Violence Law contributed to achieving rapid positive results, evidenced by a 33 percent decline in domestic violence crimes during the first three months of its implementation, resulting from cooperation among government experts, civil society organizations, juvenile police, and relevant legal and judicial authorities.
Al-Sumeit stated that this example underscores the importance of carefully considered legal amendments and the utilization of field expertise when drafting laws and policies related to the protection of the family and child. He emphasized that plans fail to achieve their objectives unless they are translated into executable programs and initiatives with clear indicators for measuring impact, monitoring outcomes, and adjusting course as needed. He affirmed that the Ministry of Justice is a key partner in implementing the program by providing legal support and specialized consultations, and contributing to the preparation of legislation and laws concerning the protection of the family and child, as well as supporting programs related to juveniles, child victims, and domestic violence. He stressed the necessity for all relevant entities to recognize the importance of the program, work in a spirit of teamwork, and prioritize the protection of the family and child in governmental performance, thereby achieving tangible results that enhance family stability and safeguard society.
