The Kingdom of Bahrain has always been known for protecting human rights, being an integral part of its history, culture and values.
In a recent statement, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa affirmed that the “Kingdom of Bahrain will hold on to its great historical heritage that embodies all humane principles and the values of justice, right and love among all.”
The royal stances confirm Bahrain's long-standing approach to the protection and preservation of human rights, as an integral part of its civilised and human history, which has been based on the foundations and values of humanity and justice since ancient times, which has made it a beacon and a meeting place for civilisations and coexistence among various cultures and religions.
The Human Rights and Democracy Report 2022 published by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) on July 13, removing Bahrain from the list of human rights priority countries, reflects the International Community’s acclaim of the kingdom’s distinguished record in respecting and consolidating human rights.
Bahrain also maintained its position in addressing and combating the crime of trafficking in persons, achieving the "Tier 1" status for the sixth consecutive year in the United States Department of State’s 2023 Trafficking in Persons Report, released in June, which is the highest annual international classification in this field.
This kingdom’s approach has been consolidated thanks to HM the King’s unwavering efforts to preserve and protect human rights, according to a sound vision that made respecting and preserving these rights an essential pillar of the comprehensive development process, through many guarantees embedded in the National Action Charter and the Constitution, as well as a comprehensive system of legislation and laws aimed at preserving these rights, ensuring equality before the law without distinction or discrimination, and providing means of equality and justice.
Indeed, since HM King Hamad’s Accession to the Throne, the kingdom has made major strides in strengthening the pillars of the state of law institutions and consolidating human rights, through the establishment of many institutions and entities that guaranteed human rights protection and ensured women’s full rights, including the Supreme Council for Women in 2001, the Bahrain Institute for Political Development in 2005, the National Human Rights Institution in 2009, the independent Office of the Ombudsman at the Interior Ministry, the Prisoners and Detainees Rights Commission and the Special Investigation Unit at the Public Prosecution.
The kingdom has also ensured the independence of the Office of the Inspector-General at the Interior Ministry, and enacted multiple advanced modern laws that reflect respect for rights and freedoms, such as those related to the freedoms of opinion, expression and belief, guaranteeing the rights of national and foreign workers, supporting associations and unions, combating human trafficking, as well as promoting the rights of women, children and people with disabilities.
Bahrain has also ensured all requirements of a decent life for its citizens, as reflected in the high-quality services provided by the government, led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, in the fields of infrastructure, education, healthcare and social care.
The government also provides subsidies and allowances to low-income citizens and people with special needs, while carrying on its efforts to push economic growth further.
The government’s adoption of the National Human Rights Plan (2022-2026), including four main pillars related to civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, as well as those who require priority aid, proves that the kingdom gives top priority to human rights.
Bahrain has also been keen to ratify and join the regional and international treaties, charters and agreements concerned with the promotion and protection of human rights, including the Arab Charter on Human Rights, the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD), International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).
Bahrain has launched many national plans and strategies, as part of its efforts to honour its obligations related to several sectors. These include the National Strategy on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the National Strategy for Childhood, the National Plan for the Advancement of Bahraini Women, the National Strategy for the Elderly, the National Strategy for Women, the National Plan to Promote the Spirit of Belonging to the Nation and Reinforce the Values of Nationalism (Bahrainouna) and the Government Strategy 2020.
The kingdom’s achievements and firm commitment to the highest standards in consolidating and protecting human rights have been recognised by the International Community. It was elected member of the UN Human Rights Council in the 2006-2007, 2009-2011 and 2019-2021 sessions. In addition, it was also elected member of the Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation during the 49th session of OIC Foreign Ministers’ Council.
The achievements of Bahrain in the field of human rights protection are the fruitful outcomes of the directives of HM King Hamad and the efforts of the government, led by HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
They also build on the kingdom’s firm and authentic approach emanating from its civilised and human values, as well as the teachings of the Islamic religion.
These major strides made by the kingdom in the human rights field have strengthened its international standing, and earned it global acclaim and respect.
Source: Bahrain News Agency