Human rights institute committee discusses received complaints

TDT | Manama

The National Institution for Human Rights (NIHR) Complaints, Monitoring and Follow-up Committee has dealt with 32 complaints between January and June of this year, it has emerged. During the same period, it has also provided 304 forms of legal aid, monitored 77 cases in social media, and received 854 calls through its hotline.

These were discussed yesterday as the committee held its 16th regular meeting, chaired by institute chairperson Maria Khoury. The total calls received on the hotline this year was more than a 100 per cent increase from the same period in 2019, when the committee received only 401 calls.

Also from January to June, 2019, the committee had dealt with 43 complaints, provided 154 forms of legal aid and monitored 22 cases in social media. Also during their meeting, the committee discussed the decisions related to workers’ rights that aim to maintain their health and safety, including the prohibition of work from 12noon to 4pm during July and August, to reduce the number of employees in workplaces, and to ensure social distancing measures in rest rooms, waiting areas and vehicles.

The committee stressed the importance of spreading awareness amongst foreign workers on their rights in several languages, as well as the possibility of getting help and legal assistance by communicating with the NIHR.