Interior, Foreign Ministers attend national human rights workshop
Manama, Apr. 30 (BNA): General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of Interior, and Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs, attended the fourth workshop organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in preparation for the National Human Rights Plan (2027–2031).
The event was held remotely and attended by Shaikh Khalid bin Ali Al Khalifa, Deputy Chief of the Supreme Judicial Council and President of the Court of Cassation; and Nawaf bin Mohammed Al Maawda, Minister of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments.
Gen. Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah said the workshop’s theme, "Justice and Law Enforcement: New Horizons for Promoting Human Rights", is aligned with the vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the focus of the government, headed by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
The minister further noted that the theme is closely associated with the Interior Ministry’s strategy of instilling respect for the rule of law among its personnel and safeguarding human rights through institutional guarantees. He noted the ministry’s expansion of rights-related projects, which reflect a commitment to humanitarian principles and justice, while also addressing future challenges, including the use of artificial intelligence to combat crime and enhance security services.
The Interior Minister added that the Kingdom of Bahrain’s achievements in promoting the rule of law and human rights are a source of pride, that provide a foundation to further develop human rights protections. He noted that implementation is a shared responsibility between the state and society.
Gen. Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah highlighted the leading role of His Majesty the King in enhancing social cohesion through royal pardons, with more than 14,000 beneficiaries since His Majesty assumed leadership. He also indicated that, following the directives of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, coordination between the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Labour to register pardoned individuals and those benefiting from alternative sentencing for unemployment support and training programmes to help them join the labour market.
He also added to His Majesty the King’s emphasis on ensuring a dignified life, which is reflected in housing, health, and security initiatives, such as the establishment of eight new residential cities and the provision of over 97,000 housing services during the Silver Jubilee.
Gen. Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah emphasised the ministry’s ongoing development strategy, which focuses on enhancing legal and policing frameworks to ensure national security and uphold the rule of law and human rights. He underlined the alignment of these efforts with the National Human Rights Plan.
He concluded by thanking participants and commending their contributions to ensuring that Bahrain remains a leading model in balancing human rights with justice under the humanitarian approach led by His Majesty the King.
The workshop was moderated by Ambassador Dr. Arwa Hassan Al Sayed, the Chief of Human Rights Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
On his part, Dr. Al Zayani said Bahrain’s achievements in human rights are the result of His Majesty the King’s vision and the government's efforts under HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. He commended the close partnership between state authorities and civil society.
He also thanked the Interior Minister for attending the workshop and supporting Bahrain’s human rights framework, highlighting that recent efforts build on the success of Bahrain’s first National Human Rights Plan and signal a continued commitment to justice and dignity.
In the first session, titled "The role of the Ministry of Interior in promoting and protecting human rights", speakers included Major General Fawaz Hassan Al Hassan, Commander of the Royal Police Academy; Brigadier Ammar Mustafa Al Sayed, Assistant Chief of Public Security for Community Affairs at the Ministry of Interior; Brigadier Hamood Saad Hamood, Assistant Undersecretary for Legal Affairs; and Shaikh Khalid bin Rashid Al Khalifa, Director General of Verdict Enforcement and Alternative Sentencing.
The second session, "UN efforts in promoting human rights", featured Dr. Yousef Abdulkarim Bucheeri, Director General of Legal Affairs and Human Rights at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Dr. Hatem Ali, UNODC Regional Representative for the GCC.
The third session, "Local cooperation in promoting human rights", included Dana Khamees Al Zayani, Undersecretary for Courts, Family Reconciliation and Alimony at the Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments; Public Prosecutor Nasser Al Shaib from the Public Prosecution; Advisor Ali Al Bennai from the Legislation and Legal Opinion Commission; and Ibrahim Ahmed Al Fedhala, Director of Social Welfare at the Ministry of Social Development.
The fourth session, "National redress mechanisms and their role in enhancing transparency", featured Ombudswoman Ghada Hameed Habib, Mohammed Khalid Al Hazza, Chief of the Special Investigation Unit; Dr. Mohammed Ali Al Khuzaie, Head of the Human Rights Committee of the Shura Council; Dr. Mallallah Al Hammadi, Chairman of the Detention and Facilities Visitation Committee of the National Institution for Human Rights; and Legal Advisor Mohammed Jumaa Fazi.
The workshop concluded with a discussion of key proposals and recommendations aimed at enhancing Bahrain’s human rights achievements and reinforcing values of justice in line with national priorities.
