Bahrain a ‘regional model in respecting human rights’

TDT | Manama    

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Reported by Ashen Tharaka

The Kingdom of Bahrain stands as an exemplary and pioneering model for respecting human rights in the region. It is evident to everyone living in Bahrain, whether citizens or foreigners, that values of tolerance, civility, coexistence, and social peace prevail.

This was confirmed by Ghada Hameed Habib, Ombudswoman and Chairperson of the Prisoners and Detainees Rights Commission, in an interview with The Daily Tribune. “We affirm that there are no violations of human rights in Bahrain,” Ghada Hameed said.

This progress is particularly evident following the launch of the reform project by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa at the beginning of the new millennium. It has resulted in qualitative leaps, including advancing the democratic process, framing political participation, and revitalising parliamentary life.

Additionally, comprehensive development plans and programmes aim to provide many services that consider people’s rights, elevating and continuously developing their standards.

Focus on Community Awareness

In response to a question about the effectiveness of collaborating with grievance institutions to strengthen their work and ensure accessibility and responsiveness to complaints, Ghada Hameed said they are focusing on community awareness. As part of this effort, they are conducting numerous seminars, meetings, and introductory lectures at various universities, foreign communities’ clubs, and civil society organisations.

This aimed to familiarise people with their role within the criminal justice system, considering the Independent Ombudsman Office as the first of its kind in the region in terms of specialised expertise, falling under the globally recognised Ombudsman offices.

Ombudsman Role

Regarding handling complaints, the Independent Ombudsman Office categorises them into two types. The first type is ‘complaints,’ related to allegations of criminal acts, requiring investigation results leading to legal action against the accused.

The second type is ‘requests for assistance,’ related to fulfilling individual or collective needs or inquiries about specific information, such as education, visits, communications, and medical services for pretrial detainees.

The majority of requests for assistance are resolved through settlement, accounting for approximately 69% of total complaints. On average, the settlement rate for assistance requests exceeds 94% of the total requests.

“The mechanisms of the Independent Ombudsman Office align with international standards in dealing with complaints, consistent with practices in similar institutions in other countries,” Ghada Hameed said.

IOI Praised

During an official visit to Bahrain’s Open Prison and Rehabilitation Centre last year, Chris Field, President of the International Ombudsman Institute (IOI), commended the progress made in human rights and grievance-handling mechanisms within the Kingdom.

In a follow-up interview with The Daily Tribune, Mr. Field highlighted Bahrain’s role model status for other countries, particularly in maintaining high standards for human rights programmes and grievance handling procedures.