Bahrain's human rights strides highlighted

Manama, May. 20. (BNA) -- Human Rights Affairs Minister Dr. Salah bin Ali Abdulrahman received here today the Chairman of the Board of Commissioners at National Institution for Human Rights (NIHR) Dr. Abdul-Aziz Abul. The Minister affirmed that Bahrain has made major strides in passing legislations and ratifying international conventions pertaining to human rights, adding that consultations are continuing to upgrade the legislative system in cooperation and coordination with the legislative branch, the NIHR and other relevant sides. They reviewed the latest developments regarding NIHR's law, a legislation that will ensure more independence for the NIHR in compliance with the principles relating to the status of national institutions, commonly known as the Paris Principles. The Minister said that the draft law is at its final stages and it is expected to be approved before the end of the legislative term, highlighting the keenness of the leadership and the government to issue the NIHR's law. They discussed the special arrangements and agenda of the Arab Court for Human Rights Conference, to be hosted by Bahrain next week, in light of His Majesty the King's initiative to host the Arab Court for Human Rights, which, he said, has been welcomed by a wide range of different international communities. He added that the conference would add to Bahrain's human rights record. The Minister affirmed the partnership between the Human Rights Affairs Ministry and the NIHR, out of the Ministry's belief in the importance of partnership and integrity of roles between the official and non-official human rights bodies to benefit Bahrain and develop the human rights work. Dr. Abul welcomed all efforts aiming to promote joint cooperation and coordination relations, expressing hope that joint cooperation will continue so as to support the democratic and human rights' march. SM