Bahrain’s Tier 1 ranking hailed

Manama, June 20 (BNA): The Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, has praised the Kingdom of Bahrain’s efforts in maintaining its Tier 1 ranking in the US Department of State Trafficking in Persons (TiP) Report. The government’s continued efforts to combat human trafficking and exploitation led to the Kingdom becoming the first country in the region to achieve a Tier 1 ranking, receiving this distinguished honour in the TiP’s 2018 edition. He stressed that the Kingdom's commitment to protecting human rights and ending human trafficking are key pillars of Bahrain’s comprehensive development, led by HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. He also noted that Bahrain was able to maintain its high rank in the 2019 TiP report due to the committed work of the government, led by the Prime Minister, HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, and the support provided by HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister. In this regard, he highlighted the role of the Government’s Executive Committee, led by HRH the Crown Prince, in driving meaningful and innovative initiatives that further secure human rights, and enhance standards of living among the Kingdom’s citizens and residents. He went on to express his appreciation for the wide-ranging efforts of the Chief Executive Officer of the Labour Market Regulatory Authority and Chairman of the National Committee to Combat Trafficking in Persons, Mr. Ausamah Abdullah Al-Absi. Al Absi’s efforts were also recognised in 2018 by the US Department of State, becoming the first Gulf official to receive acknowledgement for outstanding work in combatting trafficking in persons. He also acknowledged the USA’s efforts in combating human trafficking and affirmed the Kingdom’s continued support for the cause, noting that Bahrain remains committed to providing a model for other countries to follow in this regard.