Legal Framework for Civil Society and Law Reform

Country Reports: Middle East and North Africa

The International Journal
of Not-for-Profit Law

Volume 4, Issue 4, June 2002

Kuwait

Crack-down on Charity Funds

It has been reported by the Dow Jones international news service that the government of Kuwait has decided to hire international auditors to oversee the Islamic charities in the country.  This move, coming in response to suspicions about the use of such funds to finance terrorist organizations and activities, is seen as an effort to support the “War on Terror.”

The chair of the Supreme Council for Charity in Kuwait said that auditors will be invited to bid for the job.  This panel represents the country’s largest charities, and the members are appointed by the state.  Further developments with regard to this issue are expected as the audits begin.  However, many people who benefit from the Kuwaiti charities believe that there is little possibility they are involved with terrorist organizations.  (AP, 5 December 2001)