Bahrain’s human rights record highlighted

Cairo, Apr.10 (BNA): Bahrain’s human rights strides were highlighted during the fourth session of the Arab Parliament (AP), in Cairo, Egypt. Addressing the pan-Arab session, AP member Mp Mamdooh Abbas Saleh paid tribute to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa for promoting human rights, supported by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. He highlighted Bahrain’s relentless efforts to enhance human rights to reflect the pioneering reform project, which was initiated by HM the King. “Bahrain has developed a comprehensive institutional system to protect human rights and implement them without any discrimination”, he said. He cited the establishment of the Independent Ombudsman, the Prisoners and Detainees Rights Commission (PDRC), the Interior Ministry’s independent inspector general and Special Investigation Unit, the National Institution of Human Rights and the National Anti-human Trafficking Committee. Mp Saleh said that the reports issued by human rights organisations and certain parliaments and state representatives lack professionalism, balance and credibility. He said that such flawed and biased reports represent a flagrant interference in countries’ internal affairs, encroach on their national sovereignty and violate international laws and norms. “Bahrain has always dealt positively with all parties, inviting institutions, such as the European Parliament, to visit the Kingdom and notice facts on the ground”, he said. He pointed out that such biased and one-sided reports and resolutions cast doubts on the issue of human rights, which are being exploited to put political pressure on countries. He said that the COVID-19 pandemic reflected Bahrain’s keenness on commitment to human rights while enforcing mandatory precautionary measures. “Bahrain harnessed all means and capalities to protect citizens and residents and provide them world-standard medical services without any discrimination”, he said.