Speaker opens GCC Human Rights Conference

Manama, Dec29(BNA) A parliamentary human rights committee will be announced tomorrow (December30) in Bahrain. Council of Representatives Speaker Ahmed bin Ibrahim Al-Mulla announced the establishment of the panel as he patronised the 1st General Conference for Human Rights in The GCC countries. The International Gulf Organization for Human Rights (IGO) is holding the conference at the Gulf Hotel in cooperation with Bahraini Society "Ma'an" for Human Rights. The inaugural session was attended by First Deputy Speaker Ali Al-Aradi, MPs, senior officials and human rights advocates. Addressing the event, he said that the recommendations of the conference would be on the agenda of the yet-to-established parliamentary watchdog, stressing the importance of building bridges and promoting partnership with all parties for the sake of citizens. He paid tribute to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa for backing efforts to disseminate the culture of human rights, highlight violations and adopt efficient mechanisms to ensure the necessary follow-up. He cited in this respect the establishment of the National Institution for Human Rights (NIHR), the Ombudsman General-Secretariat and the Prisoners and Detainees Rights Commission (PDRC). The Speaker underlined the drive of Bahrain and other GCC members states to promote human rights which stem from their Islamic and Arab background. "The issue of human rights topped the agenda of the Council of Representatives in Bahrain", he said, hailing landmark achievements under the reform project, which was initiated by HM King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa. The Speaker underscored his role in advocating human rights, pointing out his own contribution in drafting legislations and agreements relating to this issue. He stressed the importance of visits, meetings and conferences in fostering human rights, taking into account the Islamic teachings and the provisions of the international law. The aim, he said, is to build a safe, secure and tolerant society which embraces co-existence and renounces hatred.