Human Rights Minister receives Amnesty International delegation

Manama, May. 6. (BNA)-- Human Rights Affairs Minister Dr. Salah bin Ali Abdulrahman received here today Deputy Director of the Middle East and North Africa Programme at Amnesty International Said Boumedouha. The Minister pointed out that this meeting is one of a series of meetings with international organisations, which, he said, confirms the Ministry's keenness to strengthen communication with human rights organisations so as to project the true image and convey facts about human rights achievements. They explored areas of bilateral of cooperation and coordination in order to enhance communication. The Minister affirmed that human rights organisations should be accurate in delivering information, make sure they obtain them from reliable sources and commit themselves to impartiality and credibility in writing reports. He confirmed the on-going human rights progress in Bahrain, adding that the royal directives, the government's approaches and parliamentary support are integrated to complete the national legislation related to human rights and change human rights culture from being exclusively elite to social. He said that Amnesty International is welcome in Bahrain and cited its several visits to kingdom. The Minister was informed about the organisation's visions and remarks about what is happening in Bahrain. He reviewed the latest report about Bahrain issued by the organisation and answered the organisation's inquiries. The Minister said that the new phase requires national responsibility and fruitful national work to train a qualified generation whose members are dedicated to serving their nation, and not fueling political crises. He said that Bahrain needs to engage all the segments of society in a comprehensive national dialogue so as to find a sustainable solution in order to cement national unity. Amnesty International's representative expressed thanks and appreciation to the Minister for the warm welcome and the clarifications he offered. SM