Foreign Minister participates in 55th session of the Human Rights Council
Genève, Feb. 26 (BNA): Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashed Al Zayani, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, participated in the 55th session of the Human Rights Council.
Dr. Al Zayani highlighted Bahrain's progress in preserving human rights and fundamental freedoms. He expressed pride in the kingdom's commitment to these principles, which are integral to the reform approach of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the government led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
In the speech before the 55th session of the Human Rights Council, Dr. Al Zayani said Bahrain welcomed the Human Rights Council's periodic meetings, noting that they provided an opportunity to showcase progress and achievements in promoting human rights and fundamental freedoms.
The minister outlined Bahrain's human rights strategies, including alternative sentencing and open prisons, which are acclaimed for their effectiveness in rehabilitating and reintegrating offenders.
This is addition to Bahrain maintaining Tier 1 status in the U.S. State Department's Trafficking in Persons Report for six consecutive years, which underscores its commitment to combatting human trafficking, he said.
He added that oversight bodies continue to uphold transparency and accountability, demonstrating a steadfast dedication to promoting and safeguarding human rights in Bahrain.
The minister said that Bahrain's dedication to human rights was also demonstrated by the ongoing implementation of its National Human Rights Plan 2022-2026.
Al Zayani said that the plan underscored the significance of "solidarity rights," focusing on promoting values such as tolerance and coexistence which Bahrain has spearheaded numerous initiatives to foster peace, dialogue, and understanding among diverse communities, religions, and nations.
The minister expressed his regret at the ongoing widespread violations of human rights on a global scale, despite the provisions outlined in international laws and conventions that mandate their implementation by nations.
Dr. Al Zayani expressed profound concern over the protracted denial of fundamental rights, including security, housing, education, healthcare, nutrition, potable water, and above all, the right to life, experienced by countless individuals across the Middle East.
Dr. Al Zayani said that those dire conditions that violate international law have continued for decades, and have become more explicitly evident through the harrowing events over the recent months. He underscored the necessity for unified action to uphold and safeguard human rights universally.
The minister emphasised that the plight faced by Gaza residents cannot be ignored, given the number of fatalities, injuries, orphanhood, displacement, lack of essential provisions like food, water, and medicine, destruction of vital infrastructure such as homes, schools, and hospitals, and diminished access to medical services particularly impacting the vulnerable demographics of the elderly, women, and children.
Dr. Al Zayani drew attention to the alarming prospect of initiating an attack against the city of Rafah ahead of the holy month of Ramadan, where close to one and a half million seek shelter.
He stressed the heightened demand for expediting efforts to tackle this humanitarian predicament and mitigate its consequences. He implored self-restraint, discipline, and non-escalation in managing this delicate situation.
The minister emphasised that peace is essential for safeguarding all human rights, particularly the right to life.
He highlighted the critical role of the Human Rights Council in promoting the universal right to peace, especially amidst ongoing crises like the situation in the Middle East, notably in the Gaza Strip.
The Kingdom of Bahrain firmly believes in the council's pivotal responsibility in advocating for peace for all individuals and communities, without exception, he added.
The minister urged an immediate ceasefire and demanded messures to spare civilian lives, prevent escalation, and end this agonising tragedy, calling both sides to free captives and detainees without delay.
The Kingdom of Bahrain strongly supports securing regional stability and peace in the Middle East, achievable solely via a two-state resolution: a prosperous and secure Israel alongside a viable and autonomous Palestine, existing harmoniously for the welfare of both peoples, he said.
