Minister of Social Affairs, Family and Childhood Affairs Dr. Amthal Al-Huwailah has stressed that Kuwait’s new law regulating charity and humanitarian work is intended to organize and support the sector rather than restrict charitable societies, while strengthening transparency, governance and public confidence.

Speaking during a meeting with the heads of boards of directors of charity societies to discuss the new law, Al-Huwailah said the legislation provides a clear framework for the continuation and development of charitable and humanitarian activities while maintaining trust among charities, donors and beneficiaries.

She highlighted the longstanding role of Kuwaiti charity societies in providing assistance both inside and outside the country, noting their work across different regions and in response to varying needs, including natural disasters. Al-Huwailah said charitable societies had strengthened their presence inside Kuwait over the past two years, adding that the meeting was the third with representatives of the charitable sector.

She said the Ministry of Social Affairs remains open to suggestions and aims to strengthen cooperation and partnership with charitable organizations. The minister said the meeting was held following the issuance of the new law to provide a direct discussion of its provisions, definitions, objectives and implementation mechanisms.

She stressed that the legislation supports both charitable societies and the state by defining responsibilities, enhancing transparency and governance, and strengthening oversight of the sector. The framework, she said, is also based on Kuwait’s international agreements and assessments.

Al-Huwailah emphasized that charitable societies have a shared responsibility to comply with applicable laws, regulations and oversight requirements, including financial and administrative controls, reporting obligations and procedures governing their operations and personnel. She also warned that some individuals have attempted to exploit the names of charitable societies, stressing that protecting the reputation of these organizations is a shared responsibility.

The minister called on charities to maintain an open line of communication with the ministry and relevant authorities, and to immediately report any attempts to misuse a society’s name during events, forums or fundraising activities. She said prompt reporting would allow the authorities to take the necessary measures to protect individual charitable societies, their reputations and the wider charitable sector.