Ombuds Office participates in periodic report to UN Committee Against Torture in Geneva

Geneva, Nov. 19 (BNA): The Ombuds Office participated as part of the Kingdom of Bahrain’s delegation in the sessions discussing Bahrain’s fourth periodic report before the Committee Against Torture at the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva, held on November 18 and 19.

The Ombuds Office highlighted its efforts to uphold justice, transparency, and accountability, outlining achievements such as institutional independence, handling complaints professionally, improving oversight in correctional facilities, and promoting a culture of rights.

Ombudswoman Ghada Hameed Habib said the office has gained international recognition for sharing expertise and has become a model for oversight bodies. She noted the establishment of a specialised unit in 2024  for complaints from children in detention, a reform commended by the Committee as a significant development in protecting vulnerable groups.

The Committee acknowledged the Kingdom’s progress in reformative justice and improving conditions for young detainees. The Ombudswoman highlighted the Office’s continuous development of methods aligned with international best practices, emphasised ongoing engagement with global organisations, and commended the Bahrain delegation’s professional presentation to the Committee.