Bahrain’s human rights protection record gets glowing NIHR review

TDT | Manama       

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Reported by Ashen Tharaka

The Kingdom of Bahrain has been hailed as a model in the Gulf and Arab regions for its promotion and protection of human rights by the National Institution for Human Rights (NIHR).

This was revealed by NIHR Chairperson Ali Ahmed Alderazi in an exclusive interview with the Daily Tribune. NIHR is a permanent member of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI), which is one of the largest human rights networks worldwide and includes over 110 national human rights institutions in different countries.

NIHR is also a member of the Asia Pacific Forum (APF), which is a coalition of 25 national human rights institutions in the region. Talking to The Daily Tribune, Alderazi praised the progress that Bahrain has made in the field of human rights since the launch of the reforms by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.

He said that the government has taken important steps to develop, strengthen, and protect the human rights system at various levels and fields, whether in the legislative, executive, or judicial fields.

Alderazi pointed to the recommendations issued by the international and regional mechanisms regarding human rights and other reports on those rights issued by the relevant British and American Ministries of Foreign Affairs as evidence of Bahrain’s progress in human rights.

He also mentioned the annual and special reports issued by the NIHR, which include distinct aspects and advanced human rights achievements that have made Bahrain a model in the region.

Human Rights Plan

Further, Alderazi highlighted the efforts to issue the National Human Rights Plan for the years 2022–2026. He said that the plan is comprehensive and balanced and that it will have a positive impact on the reality of human rights in Bahrain.

Pressing human rights issues

The NIHR has said that the most pressing human rights issues in the country are related to economic, social, and cultural rights, such as housing, education, and health. The NIHR noted that these rights are the most important to citizens and residents because they touch their lives directly.

The government has taken steps to address these issues, such as by increasing funding for education and healthcare and providing more affordable housing. The NIHR also said that the government’s action programme and the state’s general budget law reflect the government’s commitment to improving human rights. These initiatives aim to improve the reality of human rights in Bahrain and create opportunities for success in facing challenges, Alderazi stated.

Women’s rights

Alderazi highlighted Bahrain’s role in women’s rights. One of the key institutions working to promote women’s rights in Bahrain is the Supreme Council for Women (SCW), which is headed by Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa. The SCW has been instrumental in advancing the status of women in Bahrain, and its work has been recognised by the United Nations and other international organizations.

As a result of these efforts, Bahraini women have made significant progress in the exercise of their civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights. They are now represented at all levels of government, and they have equal access to education and employment opportunities, the NIHR said.