Speaker participates in 151st IPU Assembly in Geneva
Geneva, Oct. 20 (BNA): Ahmed bin Salman Al Musallam, Speaker of the Council of Representatives and Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Parliamentary Division, participated in the 151st Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) held in Geneva. The assembly was attended by Bahrain’s parliamentary delegation and several parliamentary leaders and representatives from Arab, Asian, and international unions. The main theme of the assembly focused on "Upholding humanitarian norms and supporting humanitarian action in times of crisis".
Speaker Al Musallam said that the Kingdom of Bahrain, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and with the follow-up of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, has established a humanitarian approach that makes relief and solidarity a key part of its national and international policy and an essential element of its contribution to global peace, compassion, and conflict resolution.
He noted that this vision is reflected in the efforts of the Royal Humanitarian Foundation (RHF), chaired by His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty the King for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs, which has set an advanced model of institutional humanitarian work based on sound planning, rapid response, and sustainable initiatives.
The Speaker added that the Foundation has implemented over 85 relief and development projects in 16 countries, including food and medical aid, construction of essential facilities, orphan care, and support for affected communities, emphasising that these efforts embody the Kingdom’s belief that human dignity is indivisible and that moral duty knows no borders.
Speaker Al Musallam explained that Bahrain, guided by the wise vision of His Majesty the King, continues its efforts to promote just and comprehensive peace, believing that peace is not merely a political goal but a human value essential to stability and prosperity. He highlighted that the Kingdom has adopted a balanced identity that promotes dialogue, coexistence, and tolerance, reflecting its ethical commitment and genuine political approach.
He said that the assembly convenes amid severe humanitarian challenges, with 310 million people worldwide suffering from conflict, displacement, hunger, and deprivation, according to data from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
The Speaker said that with 120 active conflicts globally, this meeting is not merely a parliamentary gathering but a call to global conscience and a shared moral responsibility, emphasising that humanitarian action is a moral and legal duty that transcends geography and politics. He stressed that parliaments must not only legislate and oversee performance but also nurture humanitarian initiatives and guide policies that serve humanity.
He called for practical steps to enhance joint parliamentary work through the IPU Committee to Promote Respect for International Humanitarian Law, including new initiatives, greater exchange of experience, and advanced multilateral oversight to ensure aid reaches the most vulnerable without politicisation or discrimination, while fostering hope in a world that needs human solidarity more than ever.
Speaker Al Musallam noted that the world recently witnessed a halt to aggression on the Gaza Strip after two years of conflict that caused immense suffering, destruction, and displacement. He welcomed the ceasefire, expressing hope for a path towards a just and comprehensive peace based on firm support for the two-state solution and the restoration of the Palestinian people’s legitimate rights, to ensure regional security, stability, and prosperity for future generations.
He expressed admiration for the steadfastness of the Palestinian people, whose perseverance has led many countries to recognise the independent State of Palestine with East Jerusalem as its capital a tangible reality achieved through their resilience and pursuit of freedom.
The Speaker commended the statement issued by the IPU on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and its principled stance and condemnation of the attack on the sovereignty of the State of Qatar, reflecting its commitment to justice, peace, and respect for nations.
Speaker Al Musallam concluded that the humanitarian challenges facing the world require greater unity, determination, and compassion, and that parliaments now have a stronger voice and an essential role to play.
