Panel discussions focus on human rights

Manama, Mar. 18 (BNA): The Council of Representatives hosted today panel discussion on the role played by government institutions in reinvigorating the human rights principles enshrined in the National Action Charter (NAC). Held under the patronage of SpeakerAhmed bin Ibrahim Al-Mulla, and organised by the Council’s Human Rights Committee, chaired by MP Abdulrahman Rashid Bu Majeed, the event marking the Arab Human Rights Day celebrated annually on March 16, was attended by MPs, Shura Council members, members of the National Institution for Human Rights (NIHR), the UN Development Programmes (UNDP), the International Peace Institute, Middle East and North Africa (IPI,MENA), as well as representatives of ministries and departments related to human rights matters. MP Bu Majeed, in his statement, said that the committee takes advantage of all Arab and international human rights events to hold workshops and panel sessions to contribute to enhancing human rights awareness, as well as to highlight the kingdom’s landmark achievements in this regard. He stressed that the kingdom has made giant strides in the human rights field, citing the formation of human rights societies, the initiative of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to establish the Arab Court for Human Rights, headquartered in Manama, and the establishment of the King Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Coexistence, noting the country’s human rights achievements emanated from the provisions of the National Action Charter and the Constitution, both of which consolidated human rights, he said. Assistant Undersecretary for Legal Affairs at the Ministry of Interior, Major-general Mohammed Rashid Bu Hammoud, spoke about "the stages of evidence-gathering, investigation and arrest", and focused on two things, namely the regulations, guarantees and procedures of evidence-gathering, in addition to the arrest regulations and guarantees, noting that all rights of the suspects are guaranteed throughout the whole process. Youth Activities Director at the Youth and Sports Affairs Ministry, Shaikha Muneera bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, in her presentation, said that all the ministry’s plans and programmes are in accordance with the goals of the UN, noting that the Ministry is keen not to discriminate among youth regarding training opportunities. Social Rehabilitation Director at the Labour and Social Development, Dr. Esmahan Yussef Al-Saud focused in her presentation on the services provided for people with special needs. Assistant Under-Secretary for Public and Technical Education at the Ministry of Education, Latifa Isa Al Bunudha, shed light on the ministry’s experience of the Citizenship and Human Rights Supporting Schools, noting that the projects aims to foster the values of loyalty to the nation, tolerance and moderation. She also highlighted the Education Ministry’s efforts to develop the citizenship and human rights curricula.