More than 24 international organisations praise Bahrain’s initiatives to respect and promote human rights

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

In a prominent international tribute to Bahrain, more than 24 major organisations around the world – including eight that carry the advisory capacity as observers at the United Nations – have expressed their appreciation for the efforts and initiatives undertaken by the Kingdom to uphold the values and principles of human rights.

In a joint statement issued yesterday, they lauded Bahrain’s endeavour to consecrate these values and principles in the plans and programmes of the government, and its keenness to respect and promote human rights in accordance with a national strategy based on partnership and complementarity.

The international organisations stressed the unique direction that the Kingdom has followed since the start of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s reform era, which is based on developing the system of legislation, policies and institutions concerned with human rights, is what has made Bahrain the “Arab and global leader in the field of human rights”.

They noted Bahrain’s continuous and gradual work to develop the national system for human rights and spread its culture to various vital sectors in the Kingdom.

Bahrain endeavours to fulfil international legislation and obligations to which it attaches great attention and the organisations’ joint statement of support adds to the country’s many achievements in the field of human rights.

The large group also expressed their confidence on the measures and initiatives undertaken by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, especially with regard to the inclusion of human rights as a priority in the government’s work programmes and national strategies.

It aims to consecrate the lofty values and principles advocated by international legislation, emphasised by the National Action Charter, and to place them in a framework that contributes to strengthening the national identity and effectively contributing to the renaissance and development of the nation.

The international community’s positive evaluation of the human rights situation in Bahrain is an expression of support for the initiatives undertaken by the Kingdom as part of the royal leadership’s vision.

Chairman of the Arab Federation for Human Rights (AFHR), Chancellor Isa Al-Arabi, the President of “Ma’an” Society for Human Rights, said the joint statement came following the conclusion of the 46th session of the Human Rights Council held from 22 February to 24 March in Geneva, Switzerland.