Latest news with #Al-Huwailah
Kuwait Times
27-05-2025
- Health
- Kuwait Times
Kuwait launches disability guide to ensure transparency, fairness
Guide offers specific and standardized procedures for evaluating types of disabilities KUWAIT: Minister of Social Affairs, Family and Childhood Affairs Dr Amthal Al-Huwailah announced the launch of the 'Kuwait Disability Guide 2025,' describing it as a vital national initiative that underscores Kuwait's commitment to local legislation and international agreements. The guide aims to establish transparency and justice in the assessment and diagnosis of disabilities in accordance with global standards. Speaking to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) on the occasion, Dr Al-Huwailah said the initiative aligns with the provisions of Law No 73 of 2020, specifically Article 48, Clause 17, which mandates the development of clear scientific criteria for disability diagnosis. The law also requires the Public Authority for the Affairs of Persons with Disabilities to publish these standards and make them accessible via its official website. Dr Al-Huwailah highlighted that the guide is the result of a decade-long effort carried out in collaboration with experts from the United Nations, the World Health Organization, medical and technical committees from the Public Authority, and specialized doctors from the Ministry of Health. The goal, she noted, was to develop a comprehensive national reference grounded in best international practices. Participants attend the press conference to launch the Kuwait Guide for Disability 2025. Minister of Social Affairs, Family and Childhood Affairs, Dr. Amthal Al-Huwailah. Acting Director General of the Public Authority for the Affairs of Persons with Disabilities, Wafaa Al-Muhanna. The minister explained that the guide offers specific and standardized procedures for evaluating various types of disabilities — including mental, physical, psychological, motor, visual, and auditory impairments — ensuring accurate diagnoses and tailored support for individuals. She added that the guide aims to unify diagnostic criteria, assist specialists in decision-making, and streamline procedures across medical and judicial bodies. It also serves as a reference for professionals in healthcare, education, employment and caregiving sectors. Dr Al-Huwailah reaffirmed Kuwait's steadfast commitment to safeguarding the rights of persons with disabilities, emphasizing that this is a shared national responsibility embraced by the state's leadership, government and people. She expressed gratitude to all those who contributed to the creation of the guide, and reiterated the government's dedication to supporting individuals with disabilities and promoting their inclusion in society. Meanwhile, Acting Director General of the Public Authority for the Affairs of Persons with Disabilities, Wafaa Al-Muhanna, said the launch marks a significant step toward institutional transparency and public awareness. In a separate statement to KUNA, Al-Muhanna noted that the guide will help define diagnostic procedures and assess the severity of disabilities, enabling its application across government and healthcare entities. She added that the Authority had uploaded the guide to its official website in line with Law No. 8 of 2010, and continues to develop tools and resources to better serve people with disabilities. Al-Muhanna affirmed the Authority's commitment to collaborating with local and international partners to enhance the lives, health, and well-being of persons with disabilities. — KUNA
Arab Times
26-05-2025
- Health
- Arab Times
'Kuwait Disability Index 2025' to strengthen disability rights and services
KUWAIT CITY, May 26: The Minister of Social Affairs, Family Affairs, and Childhood, Dr. Amthal Al-Huwailah, announced the official launch of the "Kuwait Disability Index 2025" on Monday, marking a significant step in the country's commitment to both national legislation and international agreements on disability rights. Speaking to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) about the initiative, Dr. Al-Huwailah emphasized that the launch aligns with Law No. 73/2020, particularly Article 48, Clause 17, which mandates the establishment of clear scientific standards for diagnosing disabilities. Additionally, the law requires that these standards be made publicly available through the Public Authority for Disability Affairs' (PADA) official website. The comprehensive reference guide, which has been under development for the past ten years, is the result of collaborative efforts involving experts from the United Nations, the World Health Organization (WHO), the PADA's medical and technical committees, and specialists from the Ministry of Health (MoH). The aim is to provide precise and standardized criteria for diagnosing various types of disabilities, including mental, physical, psychological, mobility, visual, and hearing impairments. Dr. Al-Huwailah explained that the reference guide will not only assist specialists in making accurate decisions but will also promote fairness and consistency in the procedures followed across medical, educational, and employment sectors. The guide serves as a key tool for unifying the diagnostic process, ensuring that all individuals receive the appropriate support based on their unique needs. Highlighting the social importance of the initiative, Dr. Al-Huwailah stressed that protecting the rights of people with disabilities is a shared national responsibility. She reaffirmed the country's commitment to providing equitable opportunities for individuals with disabilities, ensuring their active participation in community development. Dr. Al-Huwailah also expressed her gratitude to all those who contributed to the creation of the guide, emphasizing Kuwait's continued support for the disabled community and their full integration into society. In a related statement, Wafaa Al-Muhanna, the Acting Director General of PADA, described the guide as an essential tool in advancing transparency and promoting awareness of disability issues in society. Al-Muhanna pointed out that the guide will help government and medical agencies accurately assess and categorize disabilities, ensuring a consistent approach to diagnosis and care. Al-Muhanna noted that the guide would be uploaded on PADA's official website in compliance with Law No. 8/2010, and it is designed to serve both governmental agencies and medical professionals working with individuals with disabilities. The official launch of the "Kuwait Reference for Disability 2025" marks a milestone in the country's ongoing efforts to create a more inclusive society and enhance the quality of life for individuals with disabilities.
Arab Times
26-05-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Kuwait tightens financial oversight for charitable and cooperative societies with new amendments
KUWAIT CITY, May 26: Minister of Social Affairs, Family and Childhood Affairs Dr. Amthal Al-Huwailah announced on Sunday the issuance of new amendments to Law No. 2 of 2016, which governs the establishment of the Public Authority for Combating Corruption (Nazaha). The amendments focus on financial disclosure requirements aimed at strengthening transparency, integrity, and accountability in civil, charitable, and cooperative work. In a statement to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Dr. Al-Huwailah said the Ministry of Social Affairs proposed the amendments to include additional categories required to submit financial disclosure statements to Nazaha. These newly added categories include financial and administrative controllers, members of the boards of directors of charitable and civil societies, as well as their executive directors. These categories are now included alongside the existing requirement for members of cooperative society boards. 'The goal of these changes is to enhance oversight and achieve the highest standards of transparency across the various sectors supervised by the ministry,' she said. Dr. Al-Huwailah emphasized the importance of all individuals covered by the amendments submitting their financial disclosures on time. She reiterated the ministry's commitment to reinforcing governance principles, upholding integrity, and ensuring sound management and accountability of public funds in charitable, civil, and cooperative activities. The amendments were formalized in Decree-Law No. 69 of 2025, which modifies some provisions of Law No. 2 of 2016 concerning the Public Authority for Combating Corruption and financial asset disclosure. The decree was published in the Official Gazette (Kuwait Today), issue No. 1740, on Sunday, Dhu al-Qi'dah 27, 1446 AH, corresponding to May 25, 2025.
Kuwait Times
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Kuwait Times
Kuwait highlights women's rights gains 20 years after suffrage
UN lauds Kuwait's progress, urges further empowerment KUWAIT: Women across Kuwait marked twenty years since they secured full political rights on Thursday. Speaking at an event held the same day, Minister of Social Affairs Dr Amthal Al-Huwailah recognized the milestone, highlighting the influence of Kuwaiti women across various fields. 'Kuwaiti women have proven themselves as vital pillars of national development, achieving success that has placed them at the forefront of progress and contribution,' she said during a forum titled 'Strategies to Support Kuwaiti Women in Line with Sustainable Development Goal 5,' held in collaboration with the UN office in Kuwait on Thursday. Today, Kuwaiti women make up 60 percent of the public sector workforce, 48 percent in the private sector, and 28 percent of leadership roles in state institutions, Al-Huwailah noted. In traditionally male-dominated sectors, they're also making strides—54 percent of employees at the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation are women, and 41 percent of leadership roles at the Central Bank of Kuwait are held by women. These gains haven't gone unnoticed. Kuwait's global ranking on the Women, Peace, and Security Index has risen to 62nd, and the gender gap has narrowed by ten points. Kuwait also became the first Gulf country to adopt the Women's Empowerment Principles in 2023, setting a new benchmark for the region. Laws amendments But progress isn't just about numbers. Al-Huwailah pointed to recent key legislative reforms that dismantled systemic injustice, including the recent repeal of Articles 153 and 182 of the Kuwaiti Penal Code. Article 153 had effectively legalized honor killings, allowing men to receive minimal sentences for murdering female relatives under the guise of 'protecting family honor.' Article 182 had let kidnappers, rapists included, walk free if they married their victims. The abolition of these laws was a turning point, aligning Kuwait's legal framework with constitutional guarantees of justice, equality and human dignity. Ghada Al-Taher, UN Resident Coordinator and Representative of the Secretary-General, emphasized that Kuwait's progress is being recognized internationally. During the 2025 Universal Periodic Review (UPR), the Human Rights Council commended the country for policies aimed at protecting women from violence, promoting economic independence, and expanding women's decision-making power. Education has become a powerful lever for transformation in Kuwait. According to UNESCO's 2024 data, Kuwait has nearly eradicated female illiteracy, with more women enrolling in STEM fields than ever before—positions that are vital to building a knowledge-driven economy. Women leaders In business, Kuwaiti women are reshaping the narrative. With state-backed initiatives supporting women entrepreneurs, more women now lead successful ventures. Some have gained international recognition, including Dr Faiza Al-Kharafi, the first woman to lead a university in the Middle East, and Sara Akbar, who was instrumental in extinguishing Kuwait's oil well fires after liberation. Both have been named among Forbes' 100 Most Powerful Women in the World, alongside others who continue to break ground in business, science, and public service. She also highlighted ongoing efforts to empower women with disabilities, with the Public Authority for Persons with Disabilities pushing initiatives to integrate this group into the workforce and provide access to specialized support. Despite these gains, Al-Taher acknowledged that deep-rooted challenges remain. 'We can't ignore the societal barriers that still prevent women and girls from fully realizing their potential,' she said. 'Achieving full empowerment requires relentless commitment—not just from the state but from every sector.' The UN reaffirmed its pledge to support Kuwait in reviewing legislation, expanding women-focused programs, and driving initiatives that place women at the center of national development—steps crucial to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 5 and ensuring no woman or girl is left behind.
Arab Times
15-04-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
Kuwait's debt relief campaign sets a new charity standard
KUWAIT CITY, April 15: Minister of Social Affairs, Family, and Childhood Affairs, Dr. Amthal Al-Huwailah, affirmed on Tuesday that the national campaign to help pay off the debts of individuals in financial distress represents a historic milestone and a pioneering humanitarian initiative. She praised the campaign for highlighting the depth of cohesion and solidarity within Kuwaiti society. In a statement to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) following the campaign's conclusion, Dr. Al-Huwailah announced that the total donations collected amounted to KD 13,726,706.31 (approximately USD 44.77 million), contributed by 21,851 donors. She expressed her appreciation for this exceptional turnout and generous giving, which she believes reflects the authenticity of the Kuwaiti people and their deeply rooted humanitarian values. Dr. Al-Huwailah also expressed pride in the widespread participation of individuals, institutions, cooperative and charitable societies, and other charitable organizations, all of which helped bring the campaign's objectives to life. She emphasized that the success of the national debt relief campaign is a reflection of Kuwait's bright, civilized, and humanitarian image, made possible by the directives of the country's wise political leadership. 'This unique humanitarian initiative will stand as a shining moment in the history of Kuwaiti charitable work and a living example of community solidarity,' Dr. Al-Huwailah said. She noted that the campaign not only reinforced the values of mercy and national unity, but also helped restore hope and stability to many families facing financial challenges. She stated that the generosity displayed by the people of Kuwait in this campaign will remain engraved in history, praising the high national spirit and sense of humanitarian responsibility shown by the donors. 'Their generous contributions reflect Kuwait's leadership and excellence in charitable and humanitarian endeavors,' she added.
