Geneva, November 7 (BNA) Foreign Minister Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani said that Bahrain is in line with the reformist approach of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the directives of the government headed by His Royal Highness the Emir. Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, is committed to respecting human rights and public freedoms, consolidating the rule of law and justice, supporting the democratic process, and promoting inclusive and sustainable development.
Dr. Al-Zayani, Chairman of the Higher Coordinating Committee for Human Rights, made this statement while presenting Bahrain’s fourth report for discussion under the Universal Periodic Review mechanism before the Human Rights Council in Geneva.
He affirmed Bahrain’s determination to continue its achievements at a steady and ambitious pace towards promoting, protecting and respecting human rights in a safe and prosperous environment, after fulfilling all the recommendations it accepted in the third periodic report.
He stressed Bahrain’s efforts to consolidate its position as a long-term model of tolerance and coexistence between different religions, sects and races for hundreds of years as one of human rights and fundamental and inalienable freedoms.
The historic visit of His Holiness Pope Francis to the Kingdom of Bahrain, and his participation with His Eminence, the Imam of Al-Azhar, Sheikh Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Chairman of the Council of Muslim Elders in the “Bahrain Dialogue Forum”: East and West for Human Coexistence, was a clear evidence of my country’s determination to continue His efforts to support the values of peace and understanding among people of all religions and beliefs, and to consolidate the principles of human brotherhood and to consolidate the values of doing good and peace.”
He added that one of the fruits of this high-level fraternal meeting was the announcement of the establishment of the King Hamad International Prize for Dialogue and Peaceful Coexistence, which reflects His Majesty’s keenness to promote human brotherhood and dialogue between peoples and cultures in peace.
He affirmed His Majesty the King’s firm support to harness virtue and bring people together without discrimination for the benefit of nations and peoples, which reflects the Kingdom of Bahrain’s keenness to highlight the principles of tolerance, peaceful coexistence and mutual respect among all through innovative initiatives. At a time when the world is facing difficult challenges.
He pointed out that Bahrain is distinguished in this authentic approach, as His Holiness Pope Francis indicated in his speech during the reception hosted by His Majesty the King, where he said: “The greatest wealth of this country shines in its ethnic and cultural diversity, and in the peaceful coexistence and traditional hospitality of its people. , but universal, is the wealth of every truly advanced country.”
Dr. Al-Zayani reviewed, in the presence and participation of representatives of ministries and government bodies concerned with human rights, the progress made in protecting human rights and the citizens’ exercise of their constitutional right to democratic participation.
He pointed out that the parliamentary and municipal elections in their sixth session this month were conducted with complete integrity and transparency, amid full judicial oversight, and oversight of non-governmental organizations and the media.
He added that Bahrain was able to present a global model in facing the Corona Virus (Covid-19) pandemic and its repercussions, by balancing the preservation of public health and safety, and the continuation of life without taking exceptional measures such as a partial or total ban on movement.
He added that Bahrain has set an “open budget that does not take into account the costs”, conducting free examinations and vaccinations for all citizens and residents alike, with examinations reaching 600% of the population, with 82% receiving the second dose of the vaccine and 67% receiving the booster dose, as well as It announced the implementation of five financial and economic packages since March 2020, with a value of approximately $12 billion, equivalent to a third of the gross domestic product.
These initiatives included forty initiatives to support individuals, the private sector and the sectors most affected by the epidemic, in addition to ensuring the sustainability of the educational process according to flexible procedures that preserved the safety of students and educational staff.
The minister said that Bahrain has strengthened its efforts in promoting criminal justice and law enforcement in light of modern and advanced legislation and pioneering and unprecedented mechanisms in the Middle East region.
He cited mainly the application of the Penal Code and Alternative Measures of 2017, and the number of beneficiaries of it has exceeded 4,400 since its entry into force, praising the efforts of the Prisoners and Detainees Rights Commission and its primary role in supervising prisons and places of detention. Through 22 inspection visits since August 2014, the NHRI has made efforts to investigate alleged human rights violations, receive and follow up on complaints, and exercise its functions in complete independence in accordance with the Paris Principles.
He pointed out that the Ombudsman has initiated procedures for examining and investigating any complaints or allegations of human rights violations by employees of the Ministry of Interior, and taking legal measures regarding them. The Ombudsman has received 7,880 complaints and requests for assistance since its launch in July 2013.
He added that Bahrain maintained its first category classification for the fifth year in a row in the US State Department’s report on human trafficking for the year 2022, which is a unique achievement in the Middle East and North Africa region, through the implementation of the anti-trafficking law. In Persons for 2008.
He pointed out that the Kingdom confirmed its excellence in protecting the rights of expatriate workers, by establishing a comprehensive and specialized center to support and protect expatriate workers, which has received 56,328 cases since its launch in 2016 to benefit from its legal, medical and housing guidelines. and preventive services, in addition to correcting irregular conditions for employers and foreign workers, and applying the voluntary insurance system for domestic workers.
He stressed that Bahrain paid special attention to the rights of the most vulnerable groups, and strengthened its pioneering achievements in supporting the advancement of women in accordance with the National Plan for the Advancement of Bahraini Women (2013-2022) within the framework of the follow-up to the Supreme Council for Women.
He indicated that Bahrain is in the process of approving a new plan by the end of this year to enhance family and social stability and quality of life, while integrating women’s needs into comprehensive development programs within the framework of equality, equal opportunities and reforms. Gender balance, drawing on lessons learned from implementing the current plan.
He added that the Kingdom of Bahrain is proud of the contribution of Bahraini women and their pivotal role in various walks of life, by assuming this year four ministerial portfolios, and their presidency of the House of Representatives and the legislative authority since 2018, while representing 19% of the seats in the Shura and Parliament, and 12% of judges, and increased Their contribution to represent 56% of employees in the government sector, 35% in the private sector, 70% of higher education students, and 49% of academic centers.
Bahrain also ranked first in the world in bridging the gender gap in enrollment in secondary and higher education according to the Davos 2021 report, and through its presence in global forums with 33% representation of diplomats, and their membership in many United Nations committees and organizations.
In the field of children’s rights, the adoption of the Restorative Justice and Protection of Children from Abuse Law of 2021 constituted a qualitative leap in the care and protection of children from exploitation or abuse, whether psychologically, physically, sexually or economically, and through it a judicial committee and specialized courts for children were formed to ensure their privacy.
He pointed out that the Kingdom of Bahrain confirmed its keenness to take into account the environmental dimensions related to sustainable development, through its pledge before the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP26) to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060, and by supporting the Sharm El-Sheikh Climate Summit.
Bahrain continues its policy and projects in accordance with the new Environment Law of 2022, and Bahrain Economic Vision 2030 towards a healthy, safe and sustainable environment. He added that Bahrain is also seeking to improve policies related to digital rights and freedoms on the Internet.
He also expressed Bahrain’s pride in preparing the first national plan for human rights (2022-2026), with its adoption by the government last April, and following up on its implementation in partnership between national institutions, as the plan included 17 major plans. The goals, 34 sub-goals and 102 projects, are distributed over four axes that will promote civil and political rights, economic, social and cultural rights, the rights of the most vulnerable groups, and solidarity rights to achieve the desired goals.
He cited mainly legislative and institutional development and capacity building, with the plan including indicators to measure performance and the impact of implementation on the reality of human rights in the country, stressing in this regard that the preparation of the plan took the recommendations into consideration. issued by the universal periodic review.
He added that Bahrain is proceeding confidently in accordance with ambitious and integrated policies, plans and programs towards promoting and protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms, adopting modern policies and transparent and responsible practices that guarantee justice, tolerance and economic and social prosperity. Which enhances the Kingdom’s active role in consolidating security, peace and sustainable development for the good and interest of all citizens and residents of our country.
He stressed that the Bahraini delegation is keen to hold an effective and constructive dialogue that would allow us to clarify the important achievements of the Kingdom within the framework of protecting and promoting human rights and fundamental freedoms, and consolidating the state of justice and law. Equality and dignity and listening to your comments and recommendations.
He thanked the countries that submitted questions and observations, which we have no doubt will be an important catalyst for consolidating the values and principles of respect for human rights in the comprehensive development process led by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.
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