Bahrain's strides in protecting child rights highlighted at IPU Assembly

Bali, Mar. 23 (BNA): First Deputy Speaker of the Council of Representatives, MP Abdulnabi Salman, has asserted that the comprehensive development march, led by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, has contributed positively to developing the conditions of childhood in Bahrain and consolidating the protection of children through an advanced national legislative system, highlighting Bahrain’s constant support for all efforts aimed at protecting child rights. Addressing the 144th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), currently hosted by Indonesia, Salman said that the Council of Representatives has contributed to the issuance of many laws and legislation related to the rights of children, through its Woman and Child Affairs Committee. He added that the Restorative Justice Law for Children and their Protection from Maltreatment, which came into force last August, represents a pioneering step in the justice system and the protection of children's rights in the Kingdom, as well as a new success story that adds to Bahrain’s ongoing human rights and development process. It also supports the modern criminal legislation in the kingdom, as it gives top priority to the best interests of the child in all rulings, decisions and procedures related to them, he said, adding that the kingdom has established the Restorative Justice Courts for the Child, and activated the role of the Child Protection Centre at the Labour and Social Development Ministry. First Deputy Speaker Salman also highlighted the efforts made by the Council of Representatives, led by Speaker Fawzia bint Abdulla Zainal, to support Bahraini youth and motivate them to actively participate and engage in national work, noting that the Council had launched the second edition of the Bahrain Youth Parliament, in implementation of the visions of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa on supporting and empowering youth, enhancing their role in all fields of national work, increasing their political awareness and democratic work, as well as promoting the parliamentary culture.