Bahrain participates at “Mainstreaming Youth Perspective in Crime Prevention Policies” discussion

Manama, June 9 (BNA): Bahrain’s Ambassador to the United States, Shaikh Abdullah bin Rashid Al Khalifa delivered a speech before the United Nations General Assembly on empowering youth to participate in crime prevention. The ambassador was commissioned by the Interior Minister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, who highlighted Bahrain's goals of 2030 Youth Strategy, and to work with youth to ensure a better future for them based on what was included in the report of the Secretary-General of the United Nations entitled "Common Goal Agenda”. Shaikh Abdullah affirmed that Bahrain has a long experience and fruitful efforts in the field of crime control and youth protection, noting that His Majesty the King has directed to launch many initiatives aimed at protecting youth, enhancing their capabilities as future leaders in all fields. He stressed the keenness of the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, to provide all means that would help in the integration of youth who have previously been involved in acts of violence against society. The ambassador praised the tireless efforts of His Majesty the King’s Representative for Humanitarian and Youth Affairs, Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports (SCYS), His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, to create various platforms to communicate with youth in a better way, shape their future and support their leadership, as they are the main supportive pillar for development. He said that Bahrain has realized from the experiences of other countries the negative impact of the challenges posed by poverty, gang-related violence and the activities of extremist terrorist groups, which prompted the Bahraini government to implement various programs aimed at raising the standard of living, educating youth and involving them in crime prevention efforts. Shaikh Abdullah pointed out to the program to combat violence and addiction “Ma’an” which is implemented with the support of the Minister of Interior. He noted that its implementation resulted in a 56% decrease in the negative behavior of children in schools, as well as a noticeable decline in students’ turnout to practice reprehensible gang behavior, and groups that advocate to spread hatred and extremism. “A study confirmed the existence of a significant increase in the spread of the culture of peaceful coexistence; where there was acceptance of the concepts of religious pluralism and cultural diversity,” he said. The ambassador said that applying the program led to a distinguished relationship between the students and the community service police based on its implementation on trust and mutual understanding, which consolidate the concepts of crime prevention. He noted that in 2021, the government adopted the implementation of the Restorative Justice Law for Children and their Protection from Abuse, in addition to amending the Alternative Penal Code, where the “Tamam” and “Sami’e” programs were launched, which provided training in skills and professions that help facilitate the process of reintegrating the beneficiaries of the law back into society once they have finished applying alternative sanctions. Shaikh Abdullah stressed that there was positive impact of various initiatives and programs, noting that Bahrain and the countries of the world can do more in this regard. The ambassador explained that organizing sports and cultural meetings with the aim of enhancing mutual understanding between peoples, will reduce extremism and hatred. He indicated that in March, teams from the countries that signed the Abrahamic agreements participated in the games that brought together famous players during Dubai Expo, pointing out that taking more similar initiatives contributes to building a solid foundation for future relations between nations. Shaikh Abdullah stressed the importance of governments and relevant authorities organizing conferences focusing on crime prevention, in which youth participate with working papers and proposals, as well as their participation in committees to evaluate the submitted papers. “The vital importance of involving youth in the process remains; As they are the key element not only in the continuation of crime, but also in its prevention, it is the responsibility of governments to develop policies and ideas that enable them to communicate effectively with the rising generation,” the ambassador said.