UN Human Rights Office commends Bahrain’s role in promoting peace and tolerance

Manama, Feb. 14 (BNA): The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) praised Bahrain’s efforts in fostering peace and tolerance globally, highlighting the King Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Coexistence’s educational initiatives, particularly the Joint Postgraduate Diploma Programme in Peaceful Coexistence launched in collaboration with the United Nations-mandated University for Peace and Gioia Institute for Higher Education in Malta.

The recognition was included in a report set to be presented during the oral update by High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, at the 58th High-Level Session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva from February 24 to April 4. The OHCHR commended its participation in the programme, where it delivered ten lectures on human rights and countering incitement to national, religious, or racial hatred.

Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the King Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Coexistence, welcomed the report as global recognition of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s humanitarian approach, supported by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, in advancing peace, interfaith harmony, and freedom of belief.

He highlighted the Joint Postgraduate Diploma Programme’s success in graduating 50 students from 19 countries, equipping them with expertise in coexistence, international law, cultural diplomacy, human rights, and youth and women’s empowerment. As the first of its kind in the region, the programme benefits from international lecturers and supports Bahrain’s efforts in promoting peaceful coexistence among religions and cultures.

He reaffirmed the centre’s commitment to advancing the royal vision by continuing academic and cultural programmes in partnership with national institutions, academic and parliamentary bodies, and international organisations to promote tolerance and human rights, stressing that education and awareness are key to building cohesive and just societies.