Bahrain first GCC nation to inaugurate Child’s Rights Commissioner role

TDT | Manama                      

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

National Institution for Human Rights (NIHR) President Ali Ahmed Al Derazi has emphasized the importance of spreading awareness about the principles of human rights and basic freedoms, including children’s rights.

He said that children’s rights are considered a priority for the NIHR’s work and are in line with the Paris Principles relating to the status of national human rights institutions.

"Bahrain is witnessing remarkable progress in the field of human rights in general and the rights of children in particular, which is guided by the vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the follow-up of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, as well as the role played by all ministries, official bodies, and civil society institutions to achieve the highest levels of protection for children," he said.

He thanked the supporters of NIHR, underscoring the importance of the institution's partnerships with various sectors and organisations that aim to serve the goals of NIHR. Al Derazi was speaking as NIHR inaugurated the role of "Child’s Rights Commissioner" yesterday in a stakeholders’ consultation event.

Last week, the NIHR announced the appointment of Dr. Hooreiya Abbas to the role. The event, which deals with issues facing children and supports policies to ensure a healthy environment for them.

Shaikh Khalid bin Ali Al Khalifa, Vice President of the Supreme Judicial Council and President of the Cassation Court, attended the ceremony, which saw an exchange of ideas and visions on best practises aimed at developing a mechanism to defend children’s rights.

Support for NIHR

The British Ambassador to Bahrain, Roddy Drummond, gave a speech during the event in which he thanked NIHR for organising the event and affirmed support for its efforts.

"We are very pleased to be part of the journey of planning and consultations that our friends at NIHR have undertaken in their work to safeguard and protect children’s rights. Promoting and protecting the rights of children is everyone’s responsibility. Encouraging children to participate, listening to them, and actively engaging them is vital to ensuring that their views are heard and advocated for," the ambassador said.

The Child Rights Commissioner, Dr. Hooreiya Abbas, gave a presentation on her role in dealing with issues facing children and how to work to protect and promote their best interests by supporting policies and legislation concerned with the protection of their rights within the framework of the mandate of NIHR.

"The rights of the child in Bahrain are clear and mentioned in many laws and legislation." Through this position, we seek to be the unified and free voice of the children, as we hear their views and suggestions and investigate their complaints.

We strive to be ambassadors for children’s rights in the Kingdom and abroad," Dr. Hooreiya said. "This role is the first among the GCC countries and the region," she added.