The National Action Charter represents an important turning point in Bahrain’s contemporary history, His Majesty King Hamad has said.
He exchanged congratulations with His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, on the 21st anniversary of the charter today.
He praised the efforts of HRH Prince Salman to achieve further development and progress through ambitious initiatives and projects that enhanced Bahrain’s standing on development indicators.
HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister hailed Bahrain’s strides thanks to the King’s visions and directives.
He said the charter’s anniversary represents an occasion to celebrate national harmony and a catalyst to continue achieving citizens’ aspirations. He pledged continued efforts to attain national strides, supported by Team Bahrain’s unwavering determination to achieve the King’s far-sighted visions and enhance Bahrain’s standing on the path for greater progress and prosperity.
His Majesty exchanged greetings with Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, his wife and Supreme Council for Women president.
He said the anniversary embodied the unity of Bahraini people and consensus on national principles.
He praised Bahraini women’s honourable achievements thanks to the principles enshrined in the charter.
HRH Princess Sabeeka praised the national milestone which has deep historical significance, marking the beginning of the era of development, prosperity and achievements.
She paid tribute to Bahraini women and commended their dedication and participation in the march of national development.
On October 3, 2000, when opening the new session of the Shura Council, His Majesty identified key features to start a new stage in Bahrain’s political future.
On November 23, he issued Decree 36 forming a national committee to draft the National Action Charter, a covenant document and a pillar of a new political, social and economic structure in Bahrain.
The charter dealt with the basic introductions of Bahraini society, the objectives and foundations of governance, fundamental rights and freedoms of the citizens of Bahrain; the foundations upon which the family, community and civil society organisations are based, education, culture, science and work as a right and an obligation.
The charter was a Bahraini idea, drafted by Bahrainis and supported by Bahrainis.
After kneading it into its final form, the charter was put to the people who supported it overwhelmingly, on February 14, 2001, with 98.4 per cent of the voters approving it.
Today, 21 years later, Bahrain proudly celebrates the democratic achievements, human rights freedoms and integrated development that have emanated from the National Action Charter.
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