Ministry, civil society organisations hold meet

Manama : The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has held the second consultative meeting with representatives of human rights and civil society organizations. The meeting was chaired by Assistant Foreign Minister, Abdulla bin Faisal bin Jabur Al Doseri. 

During the meeting, Al Doseri affirmed the role of civil society in the development and promotion of human rights in the Kingdom. 

He said that respect for human rights has a prominent place within the framework of the reform approach of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and his guarantee of a modern system of effective legislative and executive procedures in line with the National Action Charter, the constitution and international human rights covenants. 

Al Doseri stressed the keenness of the ministry to increase cooperation and coordination with the relevant ministries and government bodies as well as institutions and associations to discuss human rights issues and consolidate the achievements made in line with the reform and democratic process, in addition to complying with the Kingdom’s voluntary commitments to international human rights covenants and conventions.  The meeting discussed several issues, including important achievements and developments in the promotion of human rights legislation, most important of which is the promulgation of the Unified Family Law, the Alternative Penal Law and other laws. 

The meeting also discussed reports submitted to the United Nations on the Universal Periodic Review of Human Rights in Bahrain, which was discussed in May this year, where Bahrain received international recognition and praise for its record, development and excellence. 

It also discussed the report of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the draft report on the rights of the child and persons with disabilities.  Discussions also included means of developing cooperation between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and civil society associations.