Ombudsman receives ECR delegation

Manama, Mar. 5 (BNA): Ombudsman Nawaf Mohammed Al-Ma’awda received here today a delegation from the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) party , currently on a visit to the kingdom. Members of the ECR delegation, who were accompanied by MP Isa Al-Koheji, were briefed on the Office of the Ombudsman, the first of its kind to be established in the region to consolidate human rights values and promote humane treatment of the public by the Interior Ministry’s affiliates. The presentation highlighted the responsibilities undertaken by the Office of the Ombudsman, which include receiving complaints and monitoring reformation and detention centres. The European delegation was also informed about the duties and terms of reference of the Prisoners and Detainees Rights Commission (PDRC), regarding the monitoring of prisons, detention centres, as well as juvenile and detention centres and other facilities where persons may be detained, like hospitals and psychiatric facilities, to learn about the conditions of their detention and treatment. Al-Ma’ada asserted that the Office of the Ombudsman has been interested in international experiences to take advantage of them and of their expertise in its field of work. This has been done through consolidating professional and technical cooperation with a number of prestigious experienced international institutions, especially from friendly European countries.