Latest news with #CouncilofMinisters
Arab Times
9 hours ago
- Politics
- Arab Times
Kuwait drafts 2 laws on humanitarian protection
KUWAIT CITY, July 15: Minister of Justice Nasser Al-Sumait announced Tuesday the completion of two draft laws aimed at reinforcing Kuwait's adherence to international humanitarian law (IHL). The drafts have been submitted to the Fatwa and Legislation Department for review before their presentation to the Council of Ministers. Al-Sumait, who also chairs the Permanent National Committee for International Humanitarian Law, stated that the first draft concerns the protection of the Red Crescent emblem and other humanitarian symbols. It seeks to ensure legal safeguards for these emblems, preventing misuse during armed conflicts and natural disasters in line with the Geneva Conventions and their additional protocols. The second draft addresses international crimes, empowering the Kuwaiti judiciary to prosecute serious violations under the principle of complementarity as outlined in Article 17 of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC). This move would allow national courts to handle cases typically under the jurisdiction of international tribunals, thereby strengthening Kuwait's legal capacity in this area. Al-Sumait emphasized that both drafts were prepared by a national team of legal experts in collaboration with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), as part of an ongoing strategic partnership with its regional office. He noted that these legislative efforts align with the priorities of the national committee, which aims to harmonize domestic laws with international humanitarian standards. The minister extended his appreciation to all local and international experts involved in the drafting process, reaffirming Kuwait's commitment to upholding and promoting international humanitarian principles within its legal and institutional frameworks.
Arab News
14 hours ago
- Business
- Arab News
Saudi King Salman chairs weekly Cabinet meeting in Jeddah
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's Cabinet, chaired by King Salman, on Tuesday praised the kingdom's global ranking in the growth of international tourist revenues during the first quarter of 2025. In its weekly session held in Jeddah, the Council of Ministers said the growth reflects the rapid development witnessed by the tourism sector in the Kingdom. The Cabinet also reviewed the Kingdom's positions on regional and global developments, as well as efforts that achieve mutual interests and benefits, and contribute to addressing global challenges.
Arab Times
17 hours ago
- Politics
- Arab Times
Kuwait finalizes 2 draft laws to enhance international humanitarian law compliance
KUWAIT CITY, July 15: Minister of Justice Nasser Al-Sumait announced Tuesday the completion of two draft laws aimed at reinforcing Kuwait's adherence to international humanitarian law (IHL). The drafts have been submitted to the Fatwa and Legislation Department for review before their presentation to the Council of Ministers. Al-Sumait, who also chairs the Permanent National Committee for International Humanitarian Law, stated that the first draft concerns the protection of the Red Crescent emblem and other humanitarian symbols. It seeks to ensure legal safeguards for these emblems, preventing misuse during armed conflicts and natural disasters in line with the Geneva Conventions and their additional protocols. The second draft addresses international crimes, empowering the Kuwaiti judiciary to prosecute serious violations under the principle of complementarity as outlined in Article 17 of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC). This move would allow national courts to handle cases typically under the jurisdiction of international tribunals, thereby strengthening Kuwait's legal capacity in this area. Al-Sumait emphasized that both drafts were prepared by a national team of legal experts in collaboration with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), as part of an ongoing strategic partnership with its regional office. He noted that these legislative efforts align with the priorities of the national committee, which aims to harmonize domestic laws with international humanitarian standards. The minister extended his appreciation to all local and international experts involved in the drafting process, reaffirming Kuwait's commitment to upholding and promoting international humanitarian principles within its legal and institutional frameworks.
ITV News
a day ago
- Business
- ITV News
Minister lays out £350 million plan to fund Jersey's health and infrastructure needs over five years
A Jersey Government minister has revealed proposals to invest £350 million across the health service and infrastructure developments. Talking exclusively to ITV News, Deputy Tom Binet says Project Breakwater is a five-year plan to tackle "critical" shortfalls in funding, with £220 million allocated for infrastructure needs such as the regeneration of Fort Regent and the town centre market, and a long-term commitment to European flights. The remaining £130 million will go towards overhauling the health service's digital systems and measures to prevent illness. Ideas for where to get the money from will appear in the Budget later this year but could include borrowing, dipping into savings and new medical charges. Speaking about the issues across infrastructure and health, Deputy Binet says: "Both of these areas have been badly underinvested in over the last ten years. "I'm very determined that we press for this money and commit to it properly. "Some of it might have to come from savings ... we do have a strategic reserve which we may or may not look at borrowing against. There are a number of different options." Highlighting the importance of increased funding, Deputy Binet adds: "It's critical. If we don't, we're just building up a lot of trouble for the future. We've identified, particularly in health, what needs to be done and have a very clear vision to make it right. "I think the savings are being delivered as aggressively as we possibly can; there's only so much you can do in terms of cuts against a background of making sure patient safety isn't compromised." He acknowledges the plans may have to be flexible, perhaps cutting out the "nice to haves" to reduce the overall cost slightly or extending the five-year funding period. US President Donald Trump has already put a dampener on the Government's previous hope to raise £52 million a year from taxing the biggest multinational companies at 15%, by seeking to exempt American businesses. Deputy Binet has also faced tough conversations with the Council of Ministers. He explains: "It's not all easy going because every department wants money but I made the point that it's not my health service, it's the island's. "I'd just ask everybody in the Assembly what type of system they want for their own family. "People need some hope and that's what we're trying to produce."
NDTV
2 days ago
- Politics
- NDTV
Punjab Cabinet Approves New Bill Proposing Life Term In Sacrilege Cases
Chandigarh: In a move aimed at taking strong action against sacrilege, the Punjab Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, approved the Punjab Prevention of Offences Against Holy Scriptures Bill 2025. The decision was taken during a meeting of the Council of Ministers at the Chief Minister's residence in Chandigarh. The Chief Minister's Office said, Punjab has witnessed several incidents in recent years involving the desecration of sacred texts, especially the Sri Guru Granth Sahib. These acts have deeply hurt public sentiment and triggered unrest. While existing provisions in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023 (new penal code) do cover such offences, the state government believes the current penalties are not strong enough to stop such crimes. The Cabinet cleared a state-specific law that will introduce stricter punishment. Under the new bill, those found guilty of desecrating any holy scripture could face life imprisonment. The law will apply to offences against the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, the Bhagavad Gita, the Holy Bible, the Quran Sharif and other revered religious texts. The state government said the law will not only help preserve communal harmony and peace but also serve as a strong deterrent against those wanting to create trouble in society. Until now, no law in Punjab has directly addressed offences against sacred scriptures. As a result, many cases were either delayed or did not result in serious action. The new bill fills the legal gap by making sacrilege a defined offence, with severe punishment. According to the draft, anyone convicted of committing sacrilege could be sentenced to a minimum of 10 years in jail, going up to life imprisonment. Those attempting the crime could face 3 to 5 years, while individuals helping or encouraging the act will be punished in line with the main offence. Regulations for Crusher Units and Retailers Also Approved In another significant decision, the Cabinet also gave its nod to the Punjab Regulation of Crusher Units and Stockists and Retailer Rules 2025. These rules are part of a wider effort to crack down on illegal mining and ensure that crusher units and retailers operate under a clear and accountable legal framework. The rules lay out procedures, forms, deadlines, and enforcement mechanisms, aiming to eliminate loopholes, prevent royalty evasion, and put an end to illegal sand and gravel procurement. The new framework is also expected to promote environmentally responsible business practices. Opposition Parties Question Drafting Process The sacrilege bill has already drawn criticism from the opposition. Leaders from the BJP, Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal said the bill should have been discussed in detail with all political parties and representatives of religious and social groups. They accused the Aam Aadmi Party government of pushing the draft without any broader consultation. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann responded to the criticism by clarifying that the government intends to put the draft in the public domain before finalising the law. "This is just the first step. We will invite feedback and consider all opinions before taking it forward," he said.
