Manama, Twenty-five international human rights organisations, including those based in European Union countries and holding UN consultative status, have welcomed the royal pardon issued by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. The pardon included 1,584 convicts. Isa Al Arabi, Chairman of the Arab Union for Human Rights, expressed appreciation on behalf of the international organisations for the royal pardon issued by His Majesty the King. He lauded the royal decree, which reflected the national principles and values of Bahrain. The statement said: " While we applaud the issuance of this royal decree, which enhances Bahrain's respect for human rights, we greatly appreciate this important and courageous step by the King of Bahrain, and the opportunity for this large number of prisoners to re-engage in society in a positive way and contribute to building and developing the Kingdom." The statement of international organisations accredited by the United Nations and in the European Union added that the init iative demonstrated the priority given to the higher interests of the nation and the citizen, and that it contributes to achieving greater stability and prosperity. The organisation lauded the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, regarding employing beneficiaries of the royal pardon and all those released, providing training programs to integrate them into the labour market, and initiatives that promote their positive integration into society. The organisations commended initiatives led by the Ministry of Interior, regarding expanding the implementation of alternative punishment programmes and open prisons, and replacing them with the implementation of custodial punishments. The statement emphasised the importance of these humanitarian initiatives, and the Kingdom of Bahrain's commitment to the humanitarian approach, devoting respect and promotion of human rights, and promoting the values of tolerance led by the His Majesty the King. So urce: Bahrain News Agency