Assistant foreign minister participates UNHRC’s 39th session opening

eneva, Sept. 11 (BNA): The Assistant Foreign Minister, Abdullah bin Faisal bin Jabur Al-Doseri, attended here today the opening of 39th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). The importance of this session comes after the nomination of the new High Commissioner for Human Rights, Ms. Michelle Bachelet, by the Secretary-General and the approval of the General Assembly of the United Nations last August. Earlier, the Assistant Foreign Minister extended congratulation to her for her appointment, expressing hope for constructive work with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in order to create a successful strategic partnership, activate mechanisms of technical cooperation and achieve common goals in the development and promotion of human rights at all levels. He also valued the role of the Human Rights Council and noted the importance of benefiting from the expertise of the United Nations and its specialised agencies in the consolidation of the rule of law, institutions and rights. The Assistant Foreign Minister affirmed that the Reform Project of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa is based on respecting human rights and dignity, adding that Bahrain has become an example in the region in the field of human rights due to its many achievements in this regard. He noted that the Kingdom's expenditure on health services, education and social protection has exceeded 35% of its total expenditure, adding that it has provided compulsory and free basic education of all stages. He stated that the percentage of enrollment for primary and secondary stages was 100% and 86.4% respectively, which led to fully ending illiteracy in Bahrain. He pointed out that the Kingdom of Bahrain is working to implement various information and educational initiatives and programmes to promote the values of tolerance, national unity and peaceful coexistence among all people, religions, sects, cultures and civilisations. He also highlighted the Kingdom's efforts in combating and criminalising the incitement of hatred, sectarianism, violence, terrorism and extremism in various media outlets in accordance with the constitution and relevant laws without prejudice to cultural and religious values. On the sidelines of the session, the Assistant Foreign Minister met the Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan, Ambassador Atageldi Haljanov, and the Permanent Representative of Romania, Ambassador Adrian Vierita. The meetings reviewed bilateral relations and ways to develop them, and highlighted the pioneering achievements of the Kingdom of Bahrain in the field of civil, political and economic rights. They also shed light on the national and international initiatives and achievements of the Kingdom in providing advanced educational and health services, regulating work, child and women's rights developments, people with disabilities, combating trafficking in persons, among many others. The Permanent Representatives of Turkmenistan and Romania hailed the development of bilateral relations and affirmed their countries' keenness to develop joint cooperation with the Kingdom of Bahrain in various fields. They also praised the programmes and services provided by the Kingdom to its citizens.