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The Star
15 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
Feature: Tunisian families struggle to afford Eid al-Adha sacrifices amid economic hardship
TUNIS, May 31 (Xinhua) -- As Tunisians prepare for Eid al-Adha next week, many families face an uncomfortable choice between religious tradition and financial reality, with the soaring cost of sacrificial animals putting the Islamic holiday beyond reach for many households. The Feast of Sacrifice, one of Islam's most important observances set to begin June 6, traditionally involves families slaughtering a sheep or cow over three days. But Tunisia's struggling economy has made the ritual increasingly unaffordable as inflation, drought, and supply constraints drive livestock prices sharply higher. In Mourouj, a southern district of Tunis, Lotfi Slama faces the same dilemma confronting families across the North African nation. The 54-year-old father of three says sheep now cost between 1,200 and 1,700 dinars (around 400-550 U.S. dollars), placing them well beyond his middle-class budget. "That's simply unaffordable for a typical middle-class family," Slama said, blaming delayed government action in opening official livestock markets for constraining supply and inflating prices. Retired teacher Brahim Haffoudhi, 64, has set his own threshold. "Unless prices fall below 1,000 dinars, I won't be buying this year," he said. "The price per kilo hasn't come down enough to make this accessible." Both men stressed that Islamic teachings do not require the sacrifice from those unable to afford it, a religious flexibility that provides some comfort amid the economic squeeze. Badr Sayari, 37, another customer at the market, plans to mark the holiday more modestly. "The Sunnah of sacrificing a sheep is a noble act, but if your resources are limited, buying a modest amount of meat to mark the occasion is entirely valid and spiritually sufficient," he said. The price surge stems largely from a prolonged drought that has devastated pastures and driven up feed costs, according to economists and agricultural experts. Livestock breeders struggling with higher production costs have passed the burden to consumers. The Tunisian Mixed Professional Association for Red Meat and Dairy Products set official prices at 21.9 dinars (around 7.43 dollars) per live kilogram for sacrificial sheep, though market prices often exceed that benchmark. The Ministry of Social Affairs estimates sacrificial animals will cost 920-1,800 dinars this year -- representing three to seven times the monthly income of the country's poorest families. With monthly social aid at roughly 260 dinars and minimum wages ranging from 414 to 493 dinars, the economics leave little room for traditional celebration. "This is a time of spiritual reflection," Sayari said. "But it's also a reminder of how many are quietly struggling."
Kuwait Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Kuwait Times
Kuwait reviews UAE, Saudi models as part of charity sector overhaul
ABU DHABI/RIYADH: A delegation from Kuwait's Committee for Regulating Humanitarian and Charitable Work, led by Acting Undersecretary of the Ministry of Social Affairs Dr Khaled Al-Ajmi, visited the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia this week to learn from their experience in charitable and humanitarian work. The visits are part of a series of several to GCC countries. Chaired by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Saud Al-Sabah, the committee is responsible for reviewing and developing laws related to charitable and humanitarian work, enhancing governance, and regulating licensing and donations to improve the efficiency and mechanisms of charitable efforts in line with international best practices. Sector overhaul The visits come after Kuwait halted all charitable fundraising pending the rollout of stricter procedures to curb unauthorized donation campaigns. Licensed charities face penalties — from account suspension to full operational shutdown — if they violate the suspension. These measures build on early-2025 reforms, namely the introduction of a centralized aid-coordination platform, and on the dissolution of over 30 charities since November 2024. They also support Kuwait's push to strengthen financial controls and align with FATF anti-money-laundering standards, safeguarding donor funds and preserving Kuwait's global humanitarian standing. Adapting successful practices In Riyadh, the Kuwaiti delegation examined Saudi Arabia's systems for humanitarian work, including integrated governance and oversight frameworks, transparency protocols and international trust-building measures. The delegation also held high-level meetings with Saudi officials to explore opportunities for cooperation, particularly in humanitarian and charitable fields and non-profit sector development. In Abu Dhabi, Dr Al-Ajmi emphasized Kuwait's intent to benefit from successful experiences and adapt inspiring practices to suit Kuwait's local context, with the goal of enhancing its humanitarian work system and improving governance efficiency. Documenting transfers As part of the committee's commitment to developing Kuwait's charitable work system, the delegation visited several public and private institutions in the UAE, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to understand financial governance mechanisms for charitable transfers. They also toured the Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation for Humanitarian Impact and the Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation for Humanitarian Activities. 'What the committee delegation witnessed during the visit reflects the UAE's commitment to a modern, holistic approach to charitable and humanitarian work,' where digital solutions are integrated with humanitarian values, and institutions are managed under precise governance systems that ensure the sustainability and integrity of resources and a measurable impact on beneficiaries locally and globally, said Dr Al-Ajmi. The delegation also reviewed several operational practices from UAE institutions, including digital systems for tracking and documenting financial transfers, distributing aid, and measuring the impact of initiatives. — Agencies
Arab Times
5 days ago
- Politics
- Arab Times
Decision to end donation collection sparks debate
KUWAIT CITY, May 27: The recent decision of the Ministry of Social Affairs to suspend donation collections by charitable societies and foundations until further notice is a regulatory step that has sparked widespread debate among those active in the charitable sector. This move is part of a general trend to reassess the mechanisms for charitable work -- a field in which Kuwait has long played a prominent role, both domestically and internationally. While some view the decision as a necessary measure to introduce stronger oversight, others argue that it risks disrupting a vital pillar of the soft power and humanitarian outreach of the country. Critics of the suspension emphasized the longstanding reputation of the country as a global leader in charitable and humanitarian efforts. They stressed that oversight must be part of a continuous development process -- ensuring transparency and accountability -- without hindering the sector's ability to support beneficiaries or undermining public trust in philanthropy. Former MP Dr. Mohammad Al-Dallal told the newspaper that charitable work is central to the soft power of Kuwait, reinforcing the country's humanitarian image at both official and grassroots levels. He highlighted the historic role of Kuwaiti charities in bolstering the nation's international standing and noted their pivotal contributions during national crises, especially during the Iraqi invasion. Al-Dallal called for balanced reforms, stressing the need for responsible governance without imposing undue restrictions. He urged the ministry to issue a clear regulatory framework that empowers charities while ensuring proper oversight. In contrast, writer Ahmed Al-Sarraf expressed support for the decision, arguing that the charitable sector has operated for decades with insufficient oversight. He warned that some associations have been misused to fund illicit activities, serving partisan or personal interests. Speaking to the newspaper, Al-Sarraf revealed that a temporary committee has been formed to draft a comprehensive law regulating charitable activities. 'The committee recently discussed a key provision concerning the disproportionate allocation of funds to foreign efforts over domestic needs,' he added. He recommended banning all external charitable activity unless conducted under direct government supervision through a unified platform. He also called for strict rules prohibiting political involvement by charitable organizations, demanding transparency in financial reporting and restrictions on receiving funds from government or foreign sources. He proposed that annual budgets be publicly disclosed in at least two daily newspapers. Meanwhile, preacher Faisal bin Qazzaz Al-Jassem voiced concern over the suspension through the 'X' platform; warning that even a temporary freeze could severely impact Muslims and philanthropists reliant on these organizations. He affirmed that the charitable and relief associations in Kuwait are unparalleled in the Islamic world, often filling gaps where other nations fall short. He asserted that 'tens of thousands, even hundreds of thousands of people are affected by the decision -- orphans, families, preachers, imams, orators, teachers, educators, doctors, nurses and directors of centers, institutes and universities -- have no source of support other than Allah and the charities. Therefore, freezing the accounts means halting all of these activities and rendering all of them unable to continue their work; especially for the orphans, widows, families, patients and health centers.'
Arab Times
7 days ago
- Politics
- Arab Times
Kuwait exempts 3 categories from Debtors Imprisonment Law
KUWAIT CITY, May 25: The Enforcement General Department at the Ministry of Justice has specified three categories of individuals exempted from the provisions of the Debtors Imprisonment Law. These categories are student stipends, rent allowances paid by the government to some citizens, and social assistance disbursed by the Ministry of Social Affairs. The department emphasized that these benefits granted by the State to some individuals will not be seized if those receiving them are in debt. Meanwhile, sources confirmed to the newspaper that the department continues to hold meetings to develop mechanisms for implementing arrest and summons against debtors, taking into account the humanitarian and social aspects of some categories of debtors. Sources said the department's meetings concluded that the law will be implemented in the best possible manner, 'without prejudice to the rights of creditors,' while taking into account the humanitarian and living conditions of some categories of debtors. They pointed out that the legal amendments aim to prevent defaults on debt and fines, given the large percentage of people who, despite their financial ability, delay paying their children's monthly expenses after separation from their mothers without justification. The new law aims to rectify these conditions and oblige debtors to fulfill their financial obligations, not evade them.
Arab Times
22-05-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Violating co-ops to face penalties
KUWAIT CITY, May 22: The Cooperative Societies Sector in the Ministry of Social Affairs will soon issue a decision to suspend the signatures of 13 cooperative boards of directors for their continued violation of Ministerial Resolution No. 115T/2022 on the promotion of local agricultural products in cooperatives. Sources disclosed such a decision will paralyze all the work of the boards of directors of cooperatives, particularly since it will lead to the disruption of their financial affairs, which are considered the cornerstone of their dealings with companies supplying food and consumer goods. Sources said the decision is based on the recommendation of the committee tasked to evaluate and monitor the implementation of the aforementioned resolution, whose members conduct field visits to cooperatives to ensure that the boards are following the purchasing policy for local agricultural products. Sources pointed out that, in coordination with the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM), the matter may reach the point of suspending the labor file of the concerned cooperative; in addition to imposing the penalty of dismissal or dissolution under Article 35 of Decree-Law No. 24/979 regarding cooperatives, amended by Law No. 118/2013. Sources added that the decision to suspend accreditation will be taken after the issuance of a warning to the violating cooperative and a remedial notice within two weeks. 'In the event of noncompliance, the team shall issue a judicial seizure order for the identified violation. A cooperative's requests will not be submitted to the relevant committees at the ministry if the violating procedure is not rescinded. The transactions with governmental and civil entities will then be suspended, and the approval signature will be suspended for a certain period,' sources explained.
