Bahrain’s non-discriminatory policies highlighted

Manama, Mar. 21 (BNA): Assistant Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Faisal bin Jabur Al Doseri has expressed his pride in Bahrain’s record in combating all forms of racial discrimination. "Bahrain’s history attests to the tolerance of Bahraini society and its interdependence on the basis of equality, rule of law and non-discrimination on any basis," he said. He added that Bahrain’s Constitution criminalizes acts associated with contempt of religions and sanctities and the fight against all forms of racial, sectarian and ethnic discrimination, and renounces all forms of violence and hatred. He also pointed out that the reform approach of His Majesty the King is an essential supporter in combating all forms of racial discrimination, he laid the rules of equality, freedom, rule of law and justice in the National Action Charter and the Constitution. This came on the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which is held annually on March 21. Al Doseri indicated that Bahrain has acceded to several international and regional human rights conventions, including the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, which the Kingdom acceded to on March 27, 1990 by Decree-by-Law 8/1990. Bahrain will submit its periodic report to the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) before the end of this year, he noted. Al Doseri affirmed that the Bahraini Constitution is based on the principle of equality and non-discrimination on any grounds based on race, language or religion, as Article 18 of the Constitution states that "People are equal in human dignity, and citizens are equal before the law in public rights and duties. There shall be no discrimination among them on the basis of gender, origin, language, religion or creed." He added that these principles have been translated into national legislation, where the penal code and the law for protection of society criminalise all acts of terrorism, the inciting of sectarianism and racism and supporting acts of violence and vandalism. Legal and judicial measures are being taken against any incitement of sectarian, violence, and ethnic, religious or racial hatred, affirming the training and rehabilitation of law enforcement personnel to ensure the right of all in getting equal and unhindered access to benefit from public services, as well as access to national courts and other competent state institutions, and equal access to justice for all, he said. The Bahraini Labour Law prohibits all forms of discrimination at the workplace. Article 16 (b) of the Constitution stipulates that "Citizens are equal in the assumption of public posts in accordance with the terms specified by law." And with regards to the private sector, Article 39 of the Labor Law stipulates that "Discrimination in wages based on gender, origin, language, religion or ideology is prohibited." Al Doseri said that the philosophy of education in Bahrain stems from the Constitution and Arab and Islamic heritage and humanitarian principles to ensure tolerance and peaceful coexistence with one another, and the rejection of violence, hatred and discrimination.