Role of Ombudsman Bahrain conference as dynamic platform highlighted
By Fatima Al Najem
Manama, Oct. 19 (BNA): Bahrain's efforts to uphold human rights- in a reflection of its history, culture and values, were commended by international participants in the conference organised by the Ombudsman Office.
The conference marking the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the Bahrain Ombudsman Office has provided a dynamic platform for building international partnerships that drive efforts to uphold human rights through grievances institutions, participants in the conference said.
The conference, focusing on the theme of the effectiveness of ombudsmen within institutional work and their role in promoting respect for human rights, highlighted Bahrain’s efforts in this area, as the first Ombudsman office of its kind in the region.
Almas Ali Jovindah, the Executive Secretary of the OIC Ombudsman Association (OICOA), said that this event gives its participants the space to share their insights on human rights violations and how to set regulations to address them.
Jovindah noted that this event represented an international collaboration which enhances capacity building, harmonising international laws, and learning from each other’s experiences.
"Today we can discuss how human rights are being violated, and what can we do together for prisoners, labourers and others. We can work together on a platform, in a cohesive way so we can raise that voice, we can strengthen the work of grievances institution anywhere locally," he said.
"I believe together we will come out with a better sense of human rights to protect the world," he said, adding that this was also a suitable platform to address challenges in the work of ombuds offices.
Ana Dzhumalieva, Chairlady of the Commission for Protection Against Discrimination of the Republic of Bulgaria noted that this conference was a platform for those who are interested in human rights from around the world to come together and discuss and exchange ideas related to ombuds offices and their role in promoting human rights and accountability.
"This conference will contribute significantly to the advancement of knowledge, research, and practice in the field of ombudsman offices. It is also useful for getting to know each other about our activities and for the exchange of good practices," she added.
Dzhumalieva affirmed that such events help to develop cooperation between grievances institutions internationally, and especially between the Bulgarian Commission for Protection Against Discrimination and the Ombudsman Bahrain.
Seref Malkoç Turkish Chief Ombudsman noted the close relations between the Turkish and Bahraini ombudsman offices, highlighting the important role of Bahrain’s Ombudswoman Ghada Habib in the field, which made her become a member of the Board of Trustees of the "Ombudsman Foundation" in the Islamic World.
He considered the Ombusdman Bahrain conference an important event that gives a push forward to international relations of ombuds offices.
"We thank everyone who contributed to organising such an important event to gather all those concerned with human rights work," he said.
Gianina Irlando President of the National Association for Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement (NACOLE) in the US hailed Bahrain’s efforts in protecting human rights through all its institutions.
"From the reports I have read, they look like it’s data based and very scientific which is something we all in oversight strive to get to, it’s really hard to set standards in this field, and I think Bahrain is doing a great job," she said.
The kingdom retained the "Tier 1" status for the sixth consecutive year in the United States Department of State’s 2023, which reflects its commitment to upholding and protecting individual rights, through strengthening institutions and accountability.
Ghada Habib, Bahrain Ombudswoman noted that this is the first time Bahrain hosts a conference of this kind.
This affirms Bahrain's long-standing approach to the protection and upholding of human rights, which has been based on the foundations and values of humanity and justice since ancient times, she said.
"After 10 years of the establishment of the office, we have lots of success stories to tell and lots of achievements, and good statistics to show. Now, we have many indicators that show how people are confident in the role of ombudsman and its creditability, and how they are benefiting from the services it provides," she added.
