Latest news with #FatwaandLegislationDepartment
Arab Times
15-07-2025
- 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 Times
15-07-2025
- 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.
Arab Times
31-05-2025
- Health
- Arab Times
School Canteens Face Fines, Closures Under New Food Safety Rules
KUWAIT CITY, May 31: In confirmation of the report published by the daily last month regarding the imminent approval of school canteen regulations, Minister of Health Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi has officially approved the regulations prepared by the Public Authority for Food and Nutrition (PAFN) and endorsed by the Fatwa and Legislation Department. The decision will take effect upon its publication in the official gazette 'Kuwait Al-Youm'. The ministry explained that the adoption of these regulations is part of national efforts to protect students from unhealthy eating habits and to improve the quality of food offered in schools. The school canteen regulations serve as a comprehensive framework governing the operation of cafeterias in both public and private schools. These regulations outline specific requirements related to facilities, staff qualifications, and food standards, along with oversight and inspection mechanisms, as well as a licensing and accountability system to ensure the provision of safe and nutritious food within the school environment. The regulations classify school canteens into three main categories based on the type of service provided: canteens that sell only packaged foods, those that offer ready-to-eat meals, and those equipped with kitchens for preparing hot meals. The regulations require adherence to Gulf standard specifications and technical regulations, particularly the ban on trans fats. They also outline guidelines for organizing daily meals based on basic food groups and determining appropriate calorie intake for each educational level. In addition, the regulations ban foods that are high in fat, sugar, and sodium, especially in breakfast and lunch meals served in private schools. Violations of these regulations may result in fines ranging from KD 500 to KD 3,000, with the possibility of canteen closure in cases of repeated offenses.
Kuwait Times
29-05-2025
- Health
- Kuwait Times
Kuwait approves new regulations for school canteens
KUWAIT: Minister of Health Dr Ahmad Al-Awadhi has issued Decision No. 15 of 2025, officially approving a new set of school canteen regulations developed by the Public Authority for Food and Nutrition. The move follows the endorsement of the Authority's Board of Directors and the Fatwa and Legislation Department, and the decision will come into effect upon its publication in the official gazette. The new decision comes nearly a year after the Public Authority for Food and Nutrition updated its regulations governing food allowed at school canteens. The regulations, issued under Ministerial Decision No 5 of 2021, allow only specific healthy foods while banning items such as processed meats, mayonnaise, caffeinated drinks, and high-salt or artificially colored products. In a statement released Thursday, the Ministry of Health emphasized that the updated regulations are part of Kuwait's broader national strategy to protect students from unhealthy dietary habits and to improve the quality of food provided in educational institutions. The aim is to create a supportive, health-conscious learning environment where student well-being is a top priority. The new framework applies to both public and private schools and outlines comprehensive standards covering facility requirements, staff qualifications, food quality, inspection protocols, licensing systems and accountability mechanisms. These provisions are designed to ensure the availability of nutritious and safe meals across all school settings. School canteens are now classified into three categories based on service type: Canteens selling only pre-packaged food items; canteens offering ready-made meals; and canteens with on-site kitchens for preparing hot meals. School canteen contractors must now meet stricter licensing criteria, including a minimum of two years of experience in food handling, possession of a valid health permit, and full compliance with safety and occupational health standards. Canteens are also required to adhere to Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) technical regulations, particularly those banning trans fats. The guidelines mandate that daily meals include essential food groups and remain within set calorie limits for each school level. High-fat, high-sugar, and high-sodium foods, especially in breakfast and lunch offerings at private schools, are explicitly prohibited. The new rules standardize food services across all schools in Kuwait, aiming to promote health equity and improve regulatory oversight. Violators face financial penalties ranging from KD 500 to KD 3,000, with the possibility of suspension for repeat or unresolved breaches — highlighting the seriousness of implementation. The ministry noted that the regulations were developed through close coordination between the Public Authority for Food and Nutrition and the Ministries of Health and Education. This collaboration underscores the importance of institutional partnership in supporting student health and cultivating a safe, nourishing educational environment. — Agencies
Arab Times
13-05-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Judicial reform under the guidance of the highest leadership
Preserving human dignity and protecting human rights is the mission of the political leadership. Classifying bounced checks as a payment instrument is inconsistent with reality. Credit cards and gold should not be considered criminalized payment methods. Certain violations are being described in a manner that does not reflect their legal reality. The burden of reform is heavy and requires effort, perseverance, and careful deliberation to avoid mistakes that could create loopholes criminals might exploit to evade punishment. In light of this, the highest authorities have stressed the importance of completing the process quickly, but without haste. Informed sources highlighted the current focus of the judiciary and the Minister of Justice on amending laws related to the judicial system, the Penal Code, and penalties. The sources said, 'Amir's speeches have urged updating these laws to keep pace with global developments,' as there are over 900 outdated laws requiring revision. Higher instructions have been given to the Minister of Justice and his carefully selected team to update approximately 46 laws related to the Ministry of Justice, ensuring that the amendments take into consideration humanitarian aspects. Around 15 laws have already been amended, while others are still under study and development or have been referred to the Fatwa and Legislation Department. In addition, 12 laws are now being implemented following the ratification of their amendments. The ultimate goal of the political leadership is to create a society with modern legislation that preserves human dignity, prevents injustice, and limits inconsistencies in judicial rulings. All of this is being carried out under the close supervision and follow-up of the highest leadership, especially regarding amendments related to human rights, to align with Kuwait's global image.' These sources further revealed that international conferences, including one in Geneva next month, will hold discussions on issues related to terrorism, money laundering, and national rights. They said the conference will provide an opportunity to highlight the accomplishments of the Ministry of Justice and its Minister Nasser Al-Sumait. The sources indicated that Kuwait has unfortunately fallen behind in amending these laws, and that Minister of Justice Nasser Al- Sumait, along with some of his advisors, will participate in two international forums scheduled for June. They said the Ministry of Justice has completed the required task after a long struggle to meet the international community's demands regarding human rights issues, adding that the strictness of certain laws concerning financial and civil matters, under the guise of protecting rights, has placed Kuwait under increased international scrutiny. The judicial sources explained that there is a misunderstanding regarding the term 'payment tool,' which has been used as a justification for harsh treatment and imprisonment of individuals who issue checks without sufficient funds. This misunderstanding extends to credit cards, gold cards, and other similar instruments, which, despite being 'payment tools,' are not subject to legal punishment. Certain violations, such as exam leaks, lack a clear legal definition, leading to judicial rulings that contradict the reality of the situation. The sources emphasized the importance of some ministries, such as the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Justice, in distancing themselves from the responsibility of collecting debts on behalf of usurers and moneylenders who charge exorbitant interest rates. They confirmed that the primary mission of these ministries is to ensure public security and administer justice. They said creditors are responsible for safeguarding their assets by thoroughly investigating a borrower's financial situation, to prevent individuals from facing imprisonment for issuing bounced checks. In confirmation of a report published by the daily a few days ago about the unjustified harshness faced by debtors, judicial sources stated, 'The primary mission of the Council of Ministers, in its legislative capacity, is to work towards achieving justice for all, particularly for insolvent debtors who are being unjustly treated.' They highlighted the importance of the first step in this direction: the cancellation of salary garnishments for debtors, adding that further actions are required to ensure Kuwait does not become the subject of international criticism during the conferences scheduled in June. In conclusion, the sources emphasized that no loopholes will be left that could harm Kuwait's reputation internationally, adding, 'The orders from the highest leadership are clear regarding preserving human dignity and providing a suitable environment for citizens to work without undue stress or disruption'.
