Bahrain continues to be world leader in protection of human rights

TDT | Manama                                             

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain has maintained its top tier ranking, for the fifth consecutive year, in recognition of its dedicated efforts to combat human trafficking. The US State Department’s 2022 report on Trafficking in Persons (TIP) has placed Bahrain in the Tier 1 status.

It is the highest annual international rating in this field. His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa received a cable of congratulations from Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) Chief Executive Officer, Chairman of the National Committee for Combating Human Trafficking, Jamal Abdulaziz Al Alawi, attributing the achievement to HM’s farsighted vision and keenness on cultivating the culture of human rights beyond any discrimination.

“The milestone stems from unwavering commitment to HM the King’s approach to protect human rights and respect international conventions and laws, thus reflecting Bahrain’s culture, Arab identity and Islamic creed,” Al Alawi said.

He expressed deepest thanks and gratitude to HM the King for entrusting with this dossier, as LMRA Chief and Chairman of the the National Committee for Combating Human Trafficking. Al Alawi pledged to spare no effort to implement HM the King’s visions and wise directives to further Bahrain’s development, progress and prosperity.

Al Alawi also extended congratulations to His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. Al Alawi said that the ranking is a recognition of HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister’s efforts, directives and projects that further strengthen the Kingdom’s fight against human trafficking and put in place sustainable mechanisms to protect human rights.

He described Bahrain as the homeland of moderation that extends bridges of communication with all countries of the world, across different cultures, religions and beliefs. Bahrain is keen to enhance the culture of combating trafficking in persons, and has established the Regional Centre of Excellence for capacity building in the field of combatting trafficking in persons, in cooperation with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in the GCC countries and the International Organization for Migration.

The kingdom has also set up an anti-human trafficking prosecution, specialised in human trafficking cases, which is an advanced step towards strengthening criminal protection for victims of trafficking in persons in a way that guarantees them their prescribed rights, becoming the first Arab country to establish such a prosecution. It continues to cooperate with the international community in all efforts aimed at combating trafficking in persons, preventing this cross-border crime and protecting its victims.