Partners in nation building

TDT | Manama

National institutions and civil society organisations play a crucial role in progress and promotion of human rights.

Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani was yesterday addressing the opening session of the fourth workshop related to the National Human Rights Plan via videoconference.

The Ministry is holding the workshop under the theme ‘Role of the National Institutions and Non-Governmental Organisations in Consolidating and Promoting Human Rights’.

The event is being held under the patronage of the Foreign Affairs and Labour and Social Development Minister Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan.

Present were Stefano Pettinato, resident representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and UN Resident Coordinator, Shura Council members, MPs, experts, academic, press and media figures, head of Bahrain’s diplomatic missions and other officials, in addition to institutions registered with the Ministry of Labour and Social Development.

A total of 173 participants took part in the workshop, during which 23 papers were discussed, highlighting Bahrain’s National Human Rights Plan.

Dr Al Zayani stressed the need for co-operation between national establishments and social institutions particularly Non-governmental Organisations (NGOs), adding that it will be the cornerstone of Bahrain’s development and progress.

He underlined the importance of the plan that aims to highlight landmark national development strides and the protection of human rights in the prosperous era of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.

He paid tribute to HM the King, hailing his wisdom and farsighted vision aimed to promote the principles of human rights and achieve Bahrainis’ aspirations of justice, transparency and accountability.

He reiterated the Foreign Ministry’s keenness to achieve HM the King’s directives to consolidate partnership between the state and NGOs, to achieve the true spirit of belonging and citizenship and ensure security, stability and welfare for Bahrainis.

Social Development Minister Humaidan praised efforts to complete the National Human Rights Plan in order to reflect the effective reality of human rights in Bahrain as well as the development and progress.

He stressed the importance of the workshop that highlights the role of national institutions and NGOs in consolidating and supporting human rights, describing NGOs as partners in building the nation and assuming responsibilities.

Citing update figures, he said that the number of NGOs had jumped from 105 before 2002 to 640 this year, including charity, social human rights, women, youth, professional and expatriate institutions.

He said that 11 human rights institutions exercise their activities in Bahrain, hailing their vital role in protecting rights through an array of programmes for all social categories, including labourers, especially during this time of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

Cabinet Affairs Ministry Undersecretary Good Word Society Honorary Chairman His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa stressed the crucial role played by national institutions and civil society organisations in promoting human rights organisations.