Bahrain human rights strides stressed

Manama, Dec. 10 (BNA): The Minister’s Assistant for Foreign Affairs, Abdulla bin Faisal bin Jabur Al Doseri, affirmed that human rights and dignity in the Kingdom of Bahrain is safeguarded thanks to the constitutional guarantees of the integrated legislative, regulatory and judicial system, which was established by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, since the launch of the reform project. On the occasion of the International Human Rights Day, which is observed on 10 December, being held under the theme "Stand up for someone's rights today", Mr AL Doseri noted the success of the Kingdom of Bahrain in providing a model for the respect for human rights and political and civil freedoms as well as economic, social and cultural rights, regardless of gender, origin, religion, race, creed or opinion. He noted that Bahrain's firm commitment to respect human rights stems from the religious and moral values, constitutional foundations, modern laws in line with international human rights standards, and the belief in the inherent dignity of all human beings with equal and inalienable rights as the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world as confirmed by the Islamic Sharia 14 centuries ago and specified in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on this similar day of 1948. Mr Al Doseri pointed to the practice of citizens, men and women their political and civil rights by participating in public affairs, as candidates, and casting their votes in the parliamentary and municipal elections since 2002, and the exercise of legislative functions and control over the executive power through their representatives in the legislature, as well as guarantee the right to a fair trial under a fair and independent judiciary. He highlighted the right to peaceful expression of opinion through the means of the press and the media and freedom of civil society institutions through 617 civil, social, women and human rights associations, and to ensure the exercise of the rights of religious freedom and worship without government restriction, within the framework of tolerance and mutual respect between all the components of society in various religious, cultural and ethnic affiliations. Mr Al Doseri added that Bahrain continues its developed approach to promote and protect human rights in accordance with the highest international standards and adherence to 24 international rights treaty and agreement, the completion of the recommendations of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry, the application of the recommendations of the UN Human Rights Council under voluntary commitments, and to cooperate with the High Commissioner for Human Rights. The most prominent manifestations, he added, was to strengthen the National Institution for Human Rights in accordance with the Paris principles, and following-up the General Secretariat of the office of grievances, the Prisoners and Detainees Rights Commission, the investigation unit of the Public Prosecution and other independent human rights organizations. He stressed that Bahrain represents a regional and a global model of economic and social rights, pointing to the achieving being the first among Arab countries in terms of economic freedom, e-government, information technology and communications, the fourth Arab country and 45th worldwide among countries with very high human development, according to a report of the United Nations Development Programme for 2015 , the completion of the Millennium Development Goals by 2015, and other indicators that reflect the evolution of the standard of living of the citizens, and outstanding health, education, urban and housing services. Mr Al Doseri also pointed to the Bahraini women's access to full rights in the framework of equality, equal opportunity and social justice in all fields in line with the Constitution and without prejudice to the provisions of Islamic law. This is thanks to the remarkable efforts of the Supreme Council of Women, headed by Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Wife of His Majesty the King, and in this regard, women represent 15 percent of the members of the National Assembly, both the Parliament and the Shura Council, 9 percent of the judiciary, 52 percent of the workers in the government sector and 32 percent in the private sector. He noted the availability of developed laws and legislation guaranteeing human and society rights at work, insurance against unemployment, the protection of the rights of children, the elderly and women and the fight against trafficking as well as the care and rehabilitation of the disabled, the necessary social security for citizens in old age, disease or inability to work, orphans, widows, legislating the provisions of the family law, protection from domestic violence, and other human rights national legislation on human rights. Mr Al Doseri affirmed that the success of the Kingdom of Bahrain to translate the slogan of the celebration of World Human Rights Day this year into a reality was confirmed by the executive and legal mechanisms, promoting legal and human rights culture through the media, educational curricula, in addition to the role of civil society institutions, the Bahrain Institute for Political Development, the National Institution for Human Rights, and other relevant government entities. He added that the Kingdom of Bahrain is keen to strengthen the partnership with international organizations in the protection of human rights, freedom, dignity, security and peace, pointing to the Bahraini initiatives in the areas of dialogue between religions, civilizations and cultures, as well as the deployment of peace, tolerance and rejection of intolerance, racism, religious, sectarian or national hatred, and to provide humanitarian and relief assistance to refugees and victims in various parts of the world. He affirmed that human rights are guaranteed, provided the commitment to the provisions and restrictions stipulated in Article 29 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the necessity to ensure the recognition and respect of the rights and freedoms of others to achieve the just requirements of public order, public interest and ethics in a democratic society, and not to exercise these rights in any way in contradiction with the United Nations purposes and principles, to politically use them as an excuse to undermine the development and progress of nations, or to undermine the achievements and objectives in spreading peace and security and to support sustainable development. (MOFA)