(MENAFN- Arab Times) KUWAIT CITY March 24: The Parliament on Tuesday unanimously approved the Women and Family Affairs Committee''s report on the Child Protection Bill in its second reading with all 56 members voting in favor. The bill defines the child as anyone below 18 years old based on the birth certificate indicating the child''s birth should be reported within 21 days after delivery.
It also emphasizes the importance of protecting the rights of children with special needs. It stipulates ways to protect children from all forms of abuse and legislative measures to address grievances in such cases.
The first chapter specifies primaries general rules definition of the term ''child'' age groups public rights and duties of the child.
The second chapter talks about health care for the child terms of practicing obstetrics how to register births systems of child vaccination nutrition and other issues; while the third chapter is about the nursery homes.
The fourth chapter stipulates a child''s right to education fifth chapter on child labor and working mothers sixth chapter on the care of children with disabilities and the need to protect their rights without prejudice.
The seventh chapter touches on culture of children and the need to raise them well eighth chapter on penal protection of the child as special legislation singled out in this chapter to protect the child from the dangers of traffic and others while article nine stipulates penalties on anyone proven to have abused children.
Furthermore the bill states the fundamental rights of children - right to life development health care education culture; as well as protection from violence physical and moral abuse neglect exploitation and discrimination based on gender race religion place of birth or disability. It stipulates equality in rights and duties while protecting human dignity and human nature as well as the protection and care for children physically academically and socially from birth until the age of 18.
According to the explanatory note of the bill which consists of 97 articles the Constitution includes provisions for family and children care. Article One of the bill defines the child as every male and female below 18 years old while the explanatory note states the bill protects the child in all aspects - health social educational cultural psychological and criminal. T
he bill stipulates that the family is the first foundation in society for the growth of children who should be given special care for them to be able to fully assume responsibilities as they grow up in a family environment full of attention care comfort and training. Article Nine states that the family is the cornerstone of society as it was established based on religion morals and patriotism.
The bill shall preserve the integrity of the family strengthen ties and protect it by supporting mother and child. Article 10 stipulates that the State cares for children and protects them from exploitation moral physical and spiritual neglect. Article 13 says education is a basic requirement for the progress of society to be assured and promoted by the State.
On the punishment for those who abuse or assault children the explanatory note mentioned the bill stipulates harsh penalties on the aggressors while stressing the importance of protecting children from all forms of harm and attack.
The punishment includes imprisonment for a period not exceeding one year and fine of not less than KD 2000 on anyone who prevents a child from getting his rights. The penalty is doubled if the act is carried out by an adult. Anyone who imported produced released prepared displayed printed broadcasted or promoted pornography works involving children or relating to the sexual exploitation of children shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than two years but not more than three years and fine ranging from KD 5000 to KD 10000.
This bill also states that the father or caregiver of a child shall be deprived of all benefits in kind granted by the State if he is proven to have committed a crime against the child The explanatory note added that in recognition of the inherent dignity of all members of the family their equal rights faith in fundamental human rights dignity of individuals desire for social progress and better standards of life without discrimination to confirm that children are entitled to special care and protection and the family is the basic unit of society for the growth of children; it is compulsory to give them special care to be able to bear their responsibilities.
Children should grow up in a family environment where they are given full attention care and comfort; thereby raising them with high ideals. It states that because of the physical and mental immaturity of children a special legislation must be adopted to provide them with legal protection until the end of childhood. Due to the weakness of children and their inability to take care of themselves; the society family and all State institutions are responsible for their care and protection.
It also stressed the need to raise awareness and interest in children in all areas - scientific and psychological health - as psychological and scientific studies have shown the importance of childhood development stages in the formation of individual character and patterns of behavior. Caring for children is a way of protecting them from neglect deviation or infliction of mental or bodily harm or others that might negatively affect their ability to adapt to society. Based on the ethical and social principles through which the Constitution focuses on the entity of the Kuwaiti society there is a need to review the legal health educational and cultural rights of children.
Talking about the bill Committee Chairman MP Saleh Ashour disclosed that major amendments were made to the bill which include imposing one to six months jail term or a fine of KD1000 or one of these two penalties on parents who fail to vaccinate their children and KD500 fine for parents who allow children under 10 years old to sit in the front seat of their cars or at the back without using seatbelts. The same fine will be imposed on anyone who gives or rents out his car to teenagers below 18 years old. Ashour also confirmed installation of a hotline for receiving complaints about a child who might be in danger. He attributed passage of the bill to the cooperation between the Parliament executive authority and civil society institutions. He said the bill will be implemented in line with Article Seven of the Constitution in relation to the family as well as commitment to the Child Rights Convention that was ratified by Kuwait in 1991 and the protocols in this regard.
Commenting on the approved bill Minister of Social Affairs and Labor and State Minister for Planning and Development Affairs Hind Al-Sabeeh pointed out this is beneficial to the State of Kuwait. She thanked all those who worked towards the approval of such an important bill. Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Sabah asserted the approved bill has an international dimension; thereby completing a package of vital laws including the Environment Law and Family Court Law.
He said the bill''s approval conveys a clear message to the whole world that Kuwait is keen on addressing important issues indicating the bill will be added to the country''s annual report to the Human Rights Council. Head of International Organization for Child Protection headquarters in Brussel Dr Abdul-Aziz Al-Subaie thanked Parliament Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanim and the parliamentary members for the passage of the bill in its second reading. He also expressed gratitude to the Women and Family Affairs Committee civil society organizations especially Head of National Society for Child Protection Dr Seham Al-Fareeh and all those who exerted efforts to push for the approval of the bill.
He stressed this is another achievement for the Parliament considering the approved bill reflects humanitarian and civilization stances which made Kuwait known in the international arena. In a related development the Parliament also approved a recommendation for the education minister to specify the age for admission of children to public and private nursery schools.
Meanwhile the Parliament approved in its first reading the report of the Financial and Economic Affairs Committee on the proposed amendments to some provisions of law number 7/2010 on the establishment of the Capital Markets Authority and parliamentary proposals on organizing the activities of Kuwait Stock Exchange. The bill is expected to be passed in two weeks upon completion of the committee''s discussion on the amendments.
On the other hand the Parliament rejected the recommended amendments to the Debts Cancellation Law and removed it from the agenda. Furthermore the Parliament approved in its first reading the report of the Interior and Defense Committee on the Compulsory Military Service (Conscription) Bill with 42 votes in favor eight against and two abstentions. The Parliament will deliberate on this bill in its second reading after the committee''s discussion on the amendments. The legislative session was adjourned until Wednesday to discuss some bills and other matters like the measures taken by the Fatwa and Legislative Department to check the accounts of the director of Public Institution of Social Security; as well as the government''s action against those who have been accused of offending the judicial authority.
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