Foreign Minister highlights Bahrain’s human rights achievements
Manama, Mar. 16 (BNA): Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the National Human Rights Committee, highlighted Bahrain’s progress in human rights, citing a modern legislative framework and a comprehensive national plan aligned with the vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the government’s directives led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
He noted the significance of Bahrain’s presidency of the Arab League Council coinciding with Arab Human Rights Day and the 21st anniversary of the Arab Charter on Human Rights. He also highlighted the UN’s recognition of Bahrain’s initiative to establish the International Day of Peaceful Coexistence and the successful launch of the Bahraini satellite "Al Munther," reflecting Bahrain’s regional and international leadership in human rights, peace, and innovation.
Dr. Al Zayani commended Bahrain’s institutional framework supporting human rights, including the National Institution for Human Rights (NIHR), the Ombuds’ Office, the Commission for the Rights of Prisoners and Detainees, and the Special Investigation Unit (SIU). He highlighted Bahrain’s legal reforms in women’s empowerment, youth development, child protection, alternative sentencing, and the Open Prisons Programme. He also noted Bahrain’s Tier 1 ranking in the US Department of State’s Trafficking in Persons Report for seven consecutive years.
The minister emphasised the importance of Arab and international cooperation in advancing His Majesty the King’s initiatives, as endorsed by the 33rd Arab Summit (Bahrain Summit). These include convening an international peace conference, establishing a Palestinian state based on the two-state solution with full UN membership, providing healthcare and education for conflict-affected populations, and enhancing Arab cooperation in financial technology, innovation, and digital transformation. He noted that these initiatives, outlined in the Bahrain Declaration, reflect the Kingdom’s commitment to human rights, dignity, education, healthcare, and comprehensive regional peace.
He noted that the UN General Assembly’s adoption of the King Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Coexistence’s initiative to establish the International Day of Peaceful Coexistence, observed annually on January 28, reflects international recognition of HM the King’s diplomatic and humanitarian approach in promoting peace, religious and cultural tolerance. This aligns with the principles of the Bahrain Declaration, the establishment of the King Hamad Award for Peaceful Coexistence, and Bahrain’s call for an international convention to criminalise religious and racial hate speech, among other initiatives aimed at advancing global peace and human rights.
Dr. Al Zayani affirmed that as Bahrain marks Arab Human Rights Day, it remains committed to advancing human rights, development, and governance under its leadership. He highlighted Bahrain’s progress in implementing the National Human Rights Plan (2022-2026), with 63% of its 102 projects completed across civil, political, economic, social, and cultural fields, as well as protections for vulnerable groups. Looking ahead, Bahrain aims to build on these achievements in the 2027-2031 plan, reinforcing its commitment to justice, solidarity, peace, and prosperity.
