KUWAIT: Minister of Social Affairs and Family and Childhood Affairs Dr Amthal Al-Huwailah announced on Tuesday that the Cabinet has approved comprehensive amendments to the domestic violence law, representing a full legislative update aimed at closing legal gaps and strengthening protection and prevention mechanisms.
Speaking at the opening of the Family and Child Protection Conference, held under the patronage and in the presence of Minister of Justice and Chairman of the Board of the Kuwait Institute for Judicial and Legal Studies Nasser Al-Sumait, Dr Al-Huwailah said the amendments provide a more effective and inclusive legal framework to protect families, ensure stability and align with relevant international conventions and best practices.
Nasser Al-Sumait
She stressed that the conference reflects Kuwait’s commitment to building an integrated system to protect families and safeguard children’s rights through coordination among relevant authorities, contributing to social stability. The conference themes – including awareness, digital transformation, rehabilitation, psychological and social support, legislation and the readiness of government buildings – demonstrate a comprehensive national approach that balances legal, social and humanitarian dimensions.
Dr Al-Huwailah added that placing the family’s interest – particularly the best interests of the child – at the heart of policies and procedures requires developing family services, updating legislation, enhancing visitation centers and strengthening family courts to ensure faster dispute resolution while safeguarding privacy and family cohesion.
She affirmed that protecting families and children is a national priority pursued through policy development, improved services, institutional coordination, enhanced preventive and therapeutic programs and partnership with civil society within clear regulatory frameworks to ensure quality and integration.
Minister of Justice Al-Sumait underscored the importance of building a comprehensive national system for family and child protection involving government bodies, civil society institutions, the media and experts. He noted that family and child issues are closely linked to social security, national stability and the future of generations, explaining that court cases, family complaints and children’s suffering point not only to legislative gaps, but also to fragmented efforts, slow procedures, and the absence of an integrated system focused on early protection and prevention.
Al-Sumait said the ministry of justice is working in cooperation with relevant entities on a package of interconnected laws to serve families and children, alongside efforts to develop family judiciary systems, accelerate procedures, simplify access to rights and shield children from the effects of prolonged disputes. However, he stressed that legislation alone is not sufficient without an integrated support system. He expressed appreciation for the partnership with the ministry of social affairs and all participating entities, voicing hope that the conference would mark the launch of a lasting national partnership to protect families and children.
The two-day Family and Child Protection Conference features specialized discussion sessions aimed at enhancing professional practices, promoting preventive awareness, preparing individuals for marriage, advancing legislative reform, utilizing digital services, improving government facility readiness, developing visitation centers and strengthening the role of family courts in delivering swift and effective family justice. – KUNA
