Bolstering fight against crime

TDT | Manama

Bahrain is experiencing a reduction in crime rates compared with 2009, despite population growth, Interior Minister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa said yesterday. The Interior Minister was speaking during a Foreign Affairs Ministry workshop entitled “The rule of law and the protection of rights in the judiciary system administration”.

The online event was held under the patronage of General Shaikh Rashid and Foreign Minister Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani. The Interior Minister said that law enforcement guarantees a better administration of the judiciary systems to fight crimes. He highlighted the importance of the workshop’s topic for being linked to the Interior Ministry’s strategy and approach.

He reviewed two dimensions; including the policy of the Interior Ministry in ensuring capabilities and setting procedures to reinforce the rule of law and the protection of human rights. The Interior Minister commented: “To be vigilant of new and emerging threats in technology, such as cybercrimes, we have drafted strategies for the future that meet challenges through the adoption of smart policing concept and expansion in the use of artificial intelligence.”

The Interior Minister asserted that the workshop was part of the vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa as part of the National Action Charter that protects rights and is like a roadmap for social, economic, political, and human values. It also reinforces the rule of the law and human rights protection.

He highlighted that the Royal Academy of Police had organised various workshops, specialised programmes, and training courses on human rights. The academy also introduced a human rights diploma, reformation and rehabilitation diploma, and social services of security organisations diploma. He said that the rule of law is the foundation, as citizens should protect the law, and considers it as the basis for their behaviours.

“This leads us to the noble goals of the reform project of HM the King that reinforce the rule of law to achieve justice, transparency and equality in all state organisations.” The Interior Minister said that the police work depends on mutual trust and respect between police personnel and citizens to promote the rule of law.

He continued that enforcing the rule of law through equality, justice, and integrity creates transparency and equality. He highlighted the essential role of the media in promoting the human rights culture by presenting accurate information.

He called upon the media to deal with challenges by tackling systematic approach of some foreign organisations and media that have been in recent years changing facts to influence the internal security in Bahrain. Meanwhile, the Foreign Minister asserted the dedication of the ministry to reinforce partnership with all law enforcement authorities to promote Bahrain’s human rights position regionally and internationally.

He also highlighted the efforts of the Foreign Ministry to reinforce human rights diplomacy in the foreign policy of Bahrain. The event was part of a series of workshops to set the National Human Rights Plan that is being held in association with various concerned authorities to get their views and expertise. The event attracted lawyers, legal experts, members of the Shura Council and Council of Representatives, concerned regional officials, and the press.