KUWAIT: Kuwait's efforts to resolve the Gulf dispute are ongoing and did not stop, Al-Qabas reported quoting government sources. Communications aiming at reconciling views are ongoing, which is the main reason for delaying the end of the dispute, the sources added. Kuwait is continuing its moves with support and coordination with the US, the source said adding that no other parties will be involved to resolve the dispute. They said there is a Kuwaiti, Gulf and American interest to contain the dispute in order to face challenges in the region and changes around the world, and maintain the "Gulf entity."

Crimes against children
Head of the child protection department Lt Col Saud Al-Aamer said 845 cases of crimes against children were sent to the prosecution since the passing of the child protection law in 2015. Sexual, physical and psychological crimes are mostly committed against children, he said in statements to Al-Jarida. He added that the new child protection law contributed to the protection of children and enabled them to inform authorities about abuse.

He said many court rulings were issued due to such complaints against parents and individuals, including a 15-year jail sentence against a father who assaulted his daughter. He said family breakups negatively affect children, while child negligence cases are on the rise.

Degrees' equivalency
The ministry of higher education said there will not be any equivalency of any degree an employee receives without taking leave from work, reported Al-Rai. Education Minister Saud Al-Harbi issued a decision considering the employee as a home student if they join an educational establishment to receive bachelor, master or PhD degrees without obtaining leave from work.

Informed sources said the higher education ministry was not doing any equivalency for qualifications obtained through home study. But some employees who combined work and study without taking leave received certificates stating that their degrees were obtained through regular attendance, which compelled the ministry to accept their degrees for equivalency.