19/10/2025
Share:
19/10/2025
Share:
KUWAIT CITY, Oct 19: In a major legislative reform effort, Minister of Social Affairs, Family and Childhood Affairs Dr. Amthal Al-Huwailah announced that specialized teams from the Ministry of Social Affairs, in cooperation with the Ministry of Justice, are undertaking a comprehensive review of over ten key family and social laws as part of a national initiative to modernize Kuwait’s legislative system.
The wide-ranging legislative overhaul aims to enhance social justice, promote sustainable development, and reinforce the protection of vulnerable groups, including children, women, and persons with disabilities. Dr. Al-Huwailah emphasized that this review constitutes a “national and legislative necessity” aligned with Kuwait Vision 2035, aimed at building a just and secure society governed by the rule of law.
“The review process includes fundamental laws that impact the human and social fabric of Kuwaiti society,” Al-Huwailah said, pointing to key legislation under review such as the Personal Status Law, Family Court Law, Child Law, Juvenile Law, Domestic Violence Protection Act, and laws governing cooperative societies, charitable work, rights of persons with disabilities, and alternative penalties.
Dr. Al-Huwailah stressed that the amendments are not limited to rewriting legal texts but aim to redefine the philosophy behind social legislation, making it more comprehensive, realistic, and responsive to evolving societal needs.
Among the most prominent updates:
- Personal Status Law No. 51 of 1984: Being revised to reinforce family stability, safeguard the rights of family members, and accelerate the resolution of disputes, particularly to protect children's rights.
- Family Court Law No. 12 of 2015: Updated to improve litigation efficiency, ensure privacy, enable faster case resolution, and enhance coordination between judicial and social services.
- Child Law No. 21 of 2015: Adjustments focus on aligning with international standards for child protection, alternative care, and abuse prevention.
- Juvenile Law No. 111 of 2015: Being revised to meet UN standards, promote rehabilitation, and move away from punitive approaches.
- Domestic Violence Protection Law No. 16 of 2020: Implementation mechanisms are being refined to enhance victim support, strengthen shelter systems, and coordinate psychological and social services.
- Cooperative Societies Law: Currently undergoing a complete overhaul to strengthen governance, financial oversight, shareholder protections, and community development roles.
- Law No. 8 of 2010 on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: Amendments will expand services and integration in education and employment, aligning with Kuwait’s human rights obligations.
- Charitable Associations and Endowments Law: Under a detailed review to ensure transparency, accountability, and legal compliance in funding and operations.
- Alternative Penalties Law: Being developed to support restorative justice principles and reduce reliance on incarceration by offering legal alternatives for rehabilitation.
- Anti-Terrorism and Financing Law No. 106 of 2013 (as amended by Law No. 24 of 2016): Review will ensure alignment with international security standards while protecting civil liberties.
Al-Huwailah highlighted direct and continuous coordination between the Ministries of Social Affairs and Justice, ensuring institutional synergy and legislative harmony. She noted that the aim is to develop a cohesive legal framework that protects individuals and supports Kuwait’s social development objectives.
“Modernization is not an end in itself, but a tool to build a balanced society governed by justice, equality, and solidarity,” she stated.
The review also reflects Kuwait’s broader legal modernization goals—to reshape the landscape of family and social legislation to ensure its relevance to modern social dynamics and challenges.
Al-Huwailah concluded by reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to working with all relevant authorities to achieve a qualitative leap in legislative reform. The goal is a just, inclusive, and secure society—one that empowers women, protects children, integrates persons with disabilities, regulates charitable and cooperative activity, and reinforces national security through social cohesion and legal integrity.
