Speaker highlights Bahrain’s commitment to human rights
Manama, Dec. 9 (BNA): Ahmed bin Salman Al Musallam, Speaker of the Council of Representatives, emphasised that under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the guidance of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, the Kingdom has made human dignity a national principle and a foundation of modern legislation within the comprehensive development process.
Marking Human Rights Day, observed annually on December 10 and coinciding with the seventy-seventh anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, he commended Bahrain’s sustained human rights achievements, rooted in the principles of the National Action Charter and the Constitution of Bahrain, reflecting the Kingdom's firm commitment to international human rights covenants and its strategic partnership with the United Nations and its specialised agencies.
The Speaker expressed pride in Bahrain’s distinguished human rights record and the notable progress achieved in this domain. He affirmed the continuous parliamentary support for advancing the human rights framework and highlighted the importance of effective cooperation and national partnership with civil society institutions to achieve common objectives.
Al Musallam noted the progress achieved across all human rights areas within the state of law and institutions, supported by constructive cooperation between the legislative and executive branches, and through the significant institutional efforts of the National Institution for Human Rights (NIHR), the Ombuds Office, the Prisoners and Detainees Rights Commission, the Special Investigation Unit at the Public Prosecution, the King Hamad Global Center for Coexistence and Tolerance (KHGC), the Royal Humanitarian Foundation (RHF)’s relief and development work, and the active role of civil society and national media.
He added that His Majesty the King’s ratification of the Digital Media Law, after approval by the Shura and Representatives Councils, represents an important national step in supporting the role of national media in fulfilling its noble mission and highlighting Bahrain’s efforts to uphold human dignity.
The Speaker highlighted the role of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in achieving the objectives of the National Human Rights Plan (2022–2026), and the leading role of the Ministry of Interior in implementing the Law on Alternative Sentencing and Open Prisons Programme. He also referred to the legislative human rights framework concerning women's rights and protection from domestic violence, child justice reform, social security and unemployment insurance, labour protection, and maintaining Tier 1 status in combating trafficking in persons, according to the US Department of State report.
Al Musallam said that Bahrain continues its efforts to advance the principle of human dignity with a global outlook, including through HM the King’s international initiatives on coexistence, Bahrain’s steadfast position in support of the Palestinian cause, and its contribution to international efforts to achieve just, comprehensive and lasting peace, while promoting coexistence, tolerance, solidarity and human fraternity.
