Foreign Ministry holds third workshop on 2027 – 2031 Human Rights Plan focusing on media and journalism
Manama, Apr. 21 (BNA): The Ministry of Foreign Affairs organised the third workshop in the series preparing the National Human Rights Plan (2027 – 2031), held under a theme addressing the role of media and journalism in supporting the national human rights framework.
Dr. Ramzan bin Abdulla Al Noaimi, Minister of Information, was present.
The workshop was moderated by Ambassador Dr. Arwa Hassan Al Sayed, Chief of the Human Rights Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and was held remotely and brought together 140 participants.
The participants included officials and representatives from ministries and relevant entities that are members of the National Human Rights Committee, members of the diplomatic and consular corps of the Kingdom of Bahrain abroad, ambassadors accredited to the Kingdom, United Nations office representatives, and civil society organisation representatives.
Dr. Al Noaimi underscored the Kingdom of Bahrain’s advanced progress in promoting and protecting human rights, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and the support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
Dr. Al Noaimi highlighted the mechanisms and initiatives outlined in the National Human Rights Plan, noting that its principles and objectives were developed in alignment with the Kingdom of Bahrain’s national identity and societal characteristics. He emphasised the key role of media outlets and local newspapers in supporting the plan’s promotion and in showcasing its outcomes.
He also commended the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for its ongoing efforts to monitor and assess the plan’s implementation, expressing hope that the workshop would produce practical recommendations to support its success.
Ambassador Dr. Yousef Abdulkarim Bucheeri, the Director-General of Legal Affairs and Human Rights at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, underlined the importance of media and journalism in the preparation of the National Human Rights Plan. He emphasised the need to continue cooperation, coordination, and the mobilisation of national efforts among relevant bodies to realise the set objectives.
The first working session, which focused on the media’s role in promoting positive narratives on human rights and addressing related challenges, featured contributions from Ahmed Khalid Al Oraifi, CEO of the National Communication Centre (NCC); Ahmed Ben Lassoued, Acting Director of the United Nations Information Centre in Bahrain; Fatima Zaman, Acting Head of the Preparation and Presentation Division at the Television Directorate; and journalist Nasreen Maroof.
The second session, which focused on media as a fundamental tool in promoting and protecting human rights, included remarks by Isa Al Shaiji, President of the Bahrain Journalists Association (BJA); Abdulla Elhami, Editor-in-Chief of Al Watan newspaper; Sayed Zahra, Deputy Editor of Akhbar Al Khaleej; and Rashid Al Gayeb, Editor Al Bilad newspaper.
The third session, which focused on embedding human rights in general culture and public awareness, featured contributions from Rashid Al Hamar, Editor-in-Chief of Al Ayam newspaper; Safaa Mattar, Dr. Lulwa Bu Dalama; and journalist Mahmeed Al Mahmeed.
The sessions concluded with a discussion of key proposals and recommendations aimed at further strengthening the effective role of media and journalism in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
