Shura committee: Envoys' visit to reformation centre reflects Interior Ministry's transparency, openness

Manama, May 4 (BNA): The Shura Council’s Human Rights Committee, chaired by Ahmed Mahdi Al-Haddad, has praised the positive outcome of the visit made by several ambassadors to Bahrain to the Reformation and Rehabilitation Centre in Jau upon an invitation from the Ministry of Interior. The Interior Ministry’s initiative consolidates the principles of transparency and openness to which it is committed while enforcing the law, implementing approved human rights standards, and providing great care and attention to inmates in the Reformation and Rehabilitation Centre, in addition to providing them with protection, and preserving their health and safety within the national measures to address Coronavirus (COVID-19), the committee said in a statement. The committee indicated that the visit reflects the landmark achievements attained by the kingdom in developing the human rights system and delivering advanced services and programmes to inmates. The panel pointed out that the visit to the centre is not the first of its kind, noting that many independent human rights organisations are keen to monitor the reformation and rehabilitation centres, in cooperation with the relevant authorities, as well as meet inmates to make sure that they enjoy their rights and basic needs, in accordance with the law. The Shura committee lauded the health care and treatment services provided by the General Directorate of Reformation and Rehabilitation to all inmates, citing its pioneering initiative to provide vaccines against COVID-19 for all inmates wishing to take them. The panel added that the tremendous efforts exerted by the Interior Ministry embody its commitment to carrying out its national duty, and implementing the provisions of international agreements and covenants related to human rights. The committee also praised the efforts made by the Interior Ministry, led by Minister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, to expand the application of the Alternative Penalties and Procedures Law and increasing the number of its beneficiaries. It also expressed pride in the efforts being made by the Interior Ministry to implement the Open-Prison system, which will make Bahrain a leader in adopting the system at the Arab level.