Bahrain respects rights and freedoms for all

Agencies | Geneva                                         

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain is committed to respecting human rights as well as civil, political, economic, social and cultural freedoms for all. This was affirmed by Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani as he took part in the High-Level Segment – 52nd regular session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Dr Al Zayani noted that His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa laid the foundations for democracy and promoted the values of tolerance and peaceful coexistence among all religions, civilisations and cultures, with the support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

The Minister affirmed Bahrain’s pride in the constructive cooperation and close partnership with the United Nations and its specialised bodies, including the Human Rights Council and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

“Bahrain has fulfilled its commitment to its international human rights obligations,” he said, “through its transparent and effective discussion of the fourth national report within the Universal Periodic Review of Human Rights last November, and its comprehensive report before the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination in the same month, and the fourth report on the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) on February 14, and other reports.”

He expressed Bahrain’s aspiration to present the second voluntary report on the implementation of the sustainable development goals before the high-level political forum of the Economic and Social Council next June.

“The Kingdom is constantly keen to consolidate partnership and exchange of experiences in human rights and development fields, by working to continue appointing a permanent coordinator for human rights in Manama in cooperation with the High Commissioner for Human Rights,” Dr Al Zayani noted.

He said that other aspects of cooperation and joint coordination are underway in implementation the strategic cooperation and sustainable development framework document signed with 21 United Nations agencies.

Bahrain in terms of democratic practice, is working within the framework of cooperation between the legislative and executive authorities to implement the government program (2023-2026) for the sixth legislative term entitled “From Recovery to Sustainable Growth”, which was discussed and approved by the House of Representatives in January 2023.

Dr Al Zayani also noted that Bahrain places at the forefront of its priorities the promotion of human rights in security, justice and sustainable development, through the development of legislation, litigation mechanisms and services under the rule of law.