Labour Minister receives former Nobel Peace Prize laureate

Manama, Sept. 13 (BNA): Labour and Social Development Minister Jamil bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan met today with Nobel Peace Prize laureate 2014 Kailash Satyarthi, the President of the Kailash Satyarthi Children's Foundation (KSCF). During the meeting, which was attended by ministry officials, the Labour and Social Development Minister hailed Mr. Satyarthi's visit to Bahrain to get informed about the kingdom's sustainable development efforts and its growth in all fields. He said the visit was an opportunity to update the former Nobel Peace Prize recipients on the comprehensive care guaranteed by the government and provided for citizens. He briefed Mr. Satyarthi about the government's efforts to provide social care, commending the efforts of His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa in this regard. He spotlighted issues of common interest, highlighting Bahrain's numerous and big achievements in the children's rights field. The Labour and Social Development Minister pointed out Bahrain's pioneering status in issuing decree-laws on children's rights and passing legislation in this respect. He stressed that the Child Law has brought about a change in the institutions' and non-government organisations' work under a legislative umbrella guaranteeing the right of the children to a decent life. He noted that the child-oriented projects have witnessed a change in quality and number thanks to the government's unflinching keenness and support to promote positive educational methods aimed at boosting children's welfare. He also pointed out the National Childhood Strategy which represents a comprehensive vision and a framework to protect children's rights. Then, Mr. Kailash Satyarthi paid a visit to the Labour and Social Development Ministry's Child Care Centres and got informed about the services provided for the children to protect them from any maltreatment or neglect, provide them with psychological, social and legal assistance and ensure they are brought up in a secure family environment. During a visit to Batelco Child Welfare Home, Mr. Satyarthi got informed about the centre's main services provided for the children of unknown parents, orphans and children from shattered families up to the age of fifteen. He lauded the government's efforts to handle child-related issues and provide the needed care for the children. He also praised the centres he visited, describing them as exemplary ones in providing protection and care for the children in line with global trends in this regard. He asserted that Bahrain deserves every respect for it became a source of inspiration and a model to emulate in protecting children. The Labour and Social Development Minister hosted a lunch banquet in honour of the President of the Kailash Satyarthi Children's Foundation (KSCF) marking his visit to Bahrain as part of a high profile delegation of former Presidents and Heads of organisations who received the Nobel Prize for Peace.