Bahrain's ongoing pioneering achievements stressed

Manama, Feb. 14 (BNA): Information Minister and Board of Trustees Chairman of Bahrain Institute for Political Development (BIPD) Ali bin Mohammed Al Romaihi lauded Bahrain’s pioneering democratic, civilisational and development achievements brought about under the reform project of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. He said those accomplishments have boosted human rights and promoted the kingdom’s status as a model to emulate regionally and internationally in political and democratic reform, religious tolerance as well as sustainable and comprehensive development. The Information Minister extended heartfelt congratulations to HM the King, His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier as well as the government and the Bahraini people on the 17th anniversary of the National Action Charter which was approved by an overwhelming majority of 98.4% of the Bahraini people on February 14 2001. He said the charter ushered in a new era of reform and modernisation in the administrative, legislative and judicial system with a free national will and a noble royal vision. He also stressed that the inauguration of the National Action Charter and the approval of the constitutional amendments have boosted Bahrain’s status among the contemporary constitutional monarchies within the framework of separation between the executive, legislative and judicial powers and their cooperation in the context of the state of law and institutions. He pointed out the citizens’ right to exercise their full political rights in running for election and voting, stressing the legislative and monitoring role of the bicameral parliament and promotion of the autonomy and impartiality of the judiciary by modernising laws and setting up the Constitutional Court and the Public Prosecution. The Information Minister lauded Bahrain’s distinguished record in respecting human rights and political, civil, economic, social and cultural freedom without any discrimination based on race, colour, gender, language, religion or origin. He underlined the kingdom’s commitment to the constitution, the National Action Charter, national legislation and the international human rights conventions and covenants. He also hailed the royal initiatives to promote the role of the institutions guaranteeing public rights and liberties like the Supreme Council for Women, the National institution for Human Rights, the Ombudsman Office, the Prisoners and Detainees Rights Commission, Bahrain Institute for Political Development, the Labour Market Regulatory Authority as well as national human rights and social institutions and committees. The Information Minister pointed out Bahrain’s achievements in protecting economic and social rights which earned it fourth place at the Arab level and 47th place internationally among countries with very high human development according to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)’s report 2016. He also stressed Bahrain’s leading place at the Arab level in terms of economic freedom and information and Telecommunication technology, according to the International Telecommunication Union. The Information Minister pointed out appreciation of the international community of the pioneering humanitarian initiatives of HM the King to boost tolerance and co-existence between religions, doctrines, cultures and civilisations at the local, regional and international level. He underlined Bahrain’s pivotal role in fostering regional and international peace and security as well as fighting extremism and terrorism. He also underscored keenness to promote the legal and human rights culture, democratic values, good citizenship and national unity in order to preserve hard-won gains brought about in the prosperous era of HM the King.