Kuwaiti Affairs: The Charity Work Regulation Law Supports Associations and Protects the Sector from Exploitation

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The Minister of Social Affairs, Family, and Childhood, Dr. Amthal Al-Huwaila, confirmed that the Law on Organizing Charitable and Humanitarian Work aims to support and regulate this sector, not to restrict associations, emphasizing the importance of protecting it from what she described as "mercenaries and intruders," and any interventions that may harm or affect it.

Al-Huwaila pointed out that the ministry is working on preparing the executive regulations for the law in preparation for its issuance, through a specialized committee that has requested to meet with experts and specialists in the field, inviting representatives of associations to provide their comments and participate in its preparation, saying: "This is your place and this is your specialty, and we need you to join us in the executive regulations."

Al-Huwaila expressed, during her meeting with representatives of charitable associations to discuss the law, her confidence in the associations and the charitable sector, despite any "blemishes" that may appear in it, affirming that protecting it is an important message and a significant trust that falls on the shoulders of those in charge of it.

She stated that some weak-minded individuals use the names of associations and exploit them, and some of them may, unfortunately, be among those working in them, calling for immediate reporting to the relevant authorities upon noticing any exploitation of the association or its name in events and gatherings or in collecting donations.

She emphasized the necessity of having an open line and constant communication with the charitable sector, which enables the ministry to fulfill its duty in protecting associations and their reputation, explaining that those in charge are closer to discovering transactions and indicators that raise suspicions, due to their knowledge of their work and the people involved.

She confirmed that cooperation in this regard helps in taking the necessary legal measures, indicating that the ministry does not accuse anyone, does not interfere with intentions, and does not blame anyone, but rather is keen on protecting the sector and maintaining its reputation, especially since attempts at exploitation affect various sectors worldwide.

Al-Huwaila also stressed the importance of adhering to legal regulations when selecting employees for associations and conducting security inquiries about them, explaining that this procedure is also followed as a precaution in ministries and the government sector, and does not imply an accusation against anyone or a lack of trust in them.

She called for selecting employees who possess the appropriate experience and qualifications for their roles, and placing the right individuals in the right positions, which enhances efficiency, integrity, and governance within the associations, which the world acknowledges in turn.

She emphasized the importance of localizing charitable work and enhancing the direction of donations and charitable projects within Kuwait, saying: "Your goodness is for your people," and indicating that meeting the needs of the people of Kuwait and those living in its community may be more deserving, without meaning to prevent assistance to others outside the country, as the role of associations in this field is known and clear.

The law provides a clear framework that helps to sustain and develop charitable and humanitarian work, and maintains trust between associations, donors, and beneficiaries. It is emphasized that this law supports both associations and the state, and does not aim to restrict them.

The ministry performs its duty based on international agreements and Kuwait's assessment. The law organizes responsibilities, distributes them, clarifies them, enhances transparency and governance, and protects an important sector that has a clear impact and footprint on the map of charitable work in Kuwait.

It was pointed out that protecting charitable work is a shared responsibility between the ministry and the associations, requiring adherence to laws, regulations, and oversight provisions on the activities and procedures of the associations, as well as financial and administrative aspects, reports, and personnel, each according to their responsibilities and competencies.