Manama, February 24 (BNA) The Kingdom of Bahrain discussed its first report before the Committee of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights during a meeting held today.
A national delegation headed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the membership of representatives from all relevant authorities in the Kingdom participated in the meeting.
The Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the United Nations and the World Trade Organization in Geneva and head of the delegation, Ambassador Dr. Youssef Abdul Karim Bucheery indicated that the Kingdom of Bahrain follows a correct development approach and a clear vision based on respect for human rights, not only in terms of legal guarantees, including international obligations in The field of human rights, but also within the framework of government policies, programs and national plans on the basis of equality and non-discrimination, the rule of law and the availability of remedies.
This comes within the framework of national efforts to enhance ensuring respect for and implementation of human rights, especially those related to economic, social and cultural rights.
The ambassador referred to the efforts of the Kingdom of Bahrain in the field of combating Covid-19, as health care is of great interest to the Kingdom of Bahrain, as it is one of the priorities of the government’s development programs. He also indicated that the Kingdom has consistently applied this priority in the context of the outbreak of the Corona virus and under the principle of “Health for All”, in line with its obligations under the Kingdom’s constitution, which guarantees the right to health care for all. .
He stressed that providing sustainable growth remains contingent on the effectiveness of security, stability, human development and preservation of human values, adding that Bahrain has maintained a balance between security and development in a stable environment, and confronting terrorist acts within the framework of the law and human rights values, while continuing at the same time with steady steps in the development process. Directing efforts and resources to serve the well-being of citizens and residents.
In his speech, the ambassador referred to a number of achievements made by the Kingdom of Bahrain in the field of human rights, including the average annual economic growth in the past decade of 37.4% and the average per capita GDP of about 22 thousand dollars. in 2017.
In addition, spending on health services, education and social protection exceeds 35% of total government spending, as well as the population’s access to free treatment and medicines, compulsory and free basic education, and zero percent of the population. below the extreme poverty line.
The delegation included high-level representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments, the Ministry of Finance and National Economy, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Education. Labor and Social Development, the Supreme Council for Women, the Ministry of Information Affairs, the Supreme Council for the Environment, the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, the Legislation and Legal Opinion Authority, the Labor Market Regulatory Authority, the Board of Grievances and the National Contact Center, where each party provided insights on its results.
It should be noted that the discussion will be held in the form of three sessions for two days and comes within the framework of the commitment of the states parties to submit periodic reports to the Committee on how to implement the rights contained in this covenant.
Accordingly, states submit their first report within two years of accepting the covenant, after which they submit a report every five years. The Committee considers each report, and the State party conveys its concerns and recommendations in the form of Concluding Observations.
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