Bahrain : The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani stressed that Bahrain is proud of its many pioneering accomplishments in protecting human rights, consolidating the foundations of the state of law and justice, and enhancing national unity and social peace.
The minister said that Bahrain is marking Human Rights Day which falls on December 10 every year.
He underlined that the reform approach of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, after accessing the throne in 1999, was the start of a crucial phase in the Kingdom’s national progress which was consolidated over the years with the efforts and support of the Government under His Royal Highness, Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
He also underscored that the government adopted many initiatives and plans aimed at protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms, all of which are guaranteed by the Kingdom’s Constitution, laws, and National Action Charter.
The minister affirmed that democracy and respecting human rights are the two main pillars of His Majesty’s reform approach.
He added that this reform approach constitutes a solid base for a comprehensive development process in various political, economic, social, cultural, and other fields, all of which have contributed to the protection of human rights and freedoms.
They have also contributed to building a society of security and stability and achieving justice that supports the development of the democratic process as well as the success of the comprehensive development efforts.
Al Zayani underlined that Bahrain considers preserving human rights and fundamental freedoms a principle and inherent goal in its domestic policy, based on its firm belief in the values of tolerance, peaceful coexistence, respect for religions and beliefs.
Bahrain is also a firm believer in building its international relations in accordance with the recognized principles of international cooperation, and supporting the efforts aimed at establishing and maintaining regional and global peace and security, developing international relations among nations, and developing common interests to achieve security, stability, and prosperity for all peoples of the world.
He also stressed that the achievements of Bahrain in human rights were not limited to a specific field only, but included everything related to the individual and society, as well as citizens and residents, as the government has enacted many pioneering laws in promoting human rights.
He underscored that in this context, Law 18 of 2017 with respect to alternative sanctions and measures, whose approval and implementation constituted a qualitative leap in reform and rehabilitation, as it came in line with modern criminal policies in the field of protection and promotion of human rights, and a real mechanism for the rehabilitation of the individual and his involvement in his natural life and social environment.
The minister said that the government has continued its efforts to develop the legislative system in this important field, as Law 19 /2017 Family Law was issued, and Law 4 /2021 Promulgating the Restorative Justice Law for children and their Protection from Maltreatment as well as issuing Decree-Law 24/2021, amending Article 13 of Law 18/2017 on penalties and alternative measures, adding that these laws have been widely praised, given how they enhance and preserve the rights of children or detainees alike.
He added that within the framework of its keenness to follow up on the implementation of commitments in some sectors, the Kingdom of Bahrain has launched several promising national plans and strategies.
They include the National Strategy for Persons with Disabilities (2012-2016) and the National Childhood Strategy (2013-2017), The National Plan for the Advancement of Bahraini Women (2013-2022), the National Strategy for the Elderly, and the National Youth Strategy (2015-2030).
Al Zayani underlined that based on the national approach aimed at promoting the establishment of independent mechanisms in the protection, respect, and promotion of human rights in the Kingdom, several effective mechanisms and agencies have been established in this regard.
They include the National Institution for Human Rights in the year 2014, and the Ombudsman in the year 2012, the Prisoners and Detainees’ Rights Commission in 2013, and the Special Investigation Unit of the Public Prosecution in 2012.
He added that Bahrain is constantly keen, within the framework of its international obligations, to fulfill its obligations towards treaty committees supervising the implementation of human rights agreements.
The Kingdom is also working to enhance cooperation and response with mechanisms emanating from the Human Rights Council, as well as strengthening cooperation with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the United Nations Human Rights Council.
The minister said that, as a reflection of its efforts in the international community, Bahrain was elected to the Human Rights Council for the third time (2019-2021) by an overwhelming majority in the United Nations General Assembly, as well as to the membership of the Non-Governmental Organizations Committee in the Economic and Social Council.
Al Zayani added that Bahrain, as part of its keenness to protect human rights and fundamental freedoms, has maintained, for the fourth consecutive year its Tier 1 in the annual US Department of State Trafficking in Persons Report.
It was a distinguished achievement that came as a result of the remarkable efforts made by the government in this field as well as the measures it has taken and the important initiatives and mechanisms it has adopted to prevent such unacceptable practices that contradict international laws and the values and principles established in Bahraini society.
The minister said that Bahrain, under the lofty directives of the wise leadership, has demonstrated its care and concern for the protection of human rights for all residents of the Kingdom, both citizens and expatriates alike, in its response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Bahrain was keen to be fully prepared to face the repercussions of this pandemic, to harness all capabilities and efforts to protect citizens and residents alike, and to provide the necessary health care for all without discrimination, thus it achieved an honorable achievement that was appreciated and praised by the world, he added.
Al Zayani underlined that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, within the framework of implementing the directives of His Majesty the King and the decisions of the Cabinet headed by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, has begun preparing the National Plan for Human Rights.
Its objectives, projects and initiatives have been defined in cooperation and coordination with stakeholders, and in cooperation with relevant international organizations, for the plan to be consistent with the Kingdom’s obligations at the international level and to achieve the lofty goals that the Kingdom seeks to achieve in the field of protecting and promoting human rights.
The minister affirmed that Bahrain is continuing to promote and preserve human rights under the vision of His Majesty the King, and the support of His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince and the Prime Minister, stemming from the belief of both the wise leadership and the Bahraini society.
Bahrain has always known the values of coexistence, tolerance, and respect for the other- that human rights are an integral part of the culture of Bahraini society, and a consistent goal of the modern civil state that seeks to enhance its regional and international standing among civilized nations, he stressed.
