BAHRAIN is taking the ‘next step’ in its march to progress by implementing a master human rights plan that covers all sections of society.
The National Human Rights Plan (2022-2026), which highlights the kingdom’s forward-looking vision, covers four focal points – Civil and political rights; economic, social and cultural rights; rights of groups with priority care needs; and solidarity rights.
Bahrain became the first GCC country in 2020 to work on a rights blueprint after a series of consultations with MPs, Shura Council members, experts and diplomats led by the Foreign Affairs Ministry.
The 87-page plan was recently released to the media during a Press briefing chaired by Foreign Minister Dr Abdullatif Al Zayani.
The GDN secured a copy of the comprehensive plan that features a foreword by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
Master plan outlines key goals
- The master plan has outlined key goals to be achieved during the 2022- 2026 timeframe:
- Spread the culture of tolerance, peaceful coexistence and acceptance through the educational system in both public and private schools, with increased awareness of respect for the rights of expatriate workers.
- Promote voluntary insurance system for domestic workers and intensify efforts to investigate the worst forms of labour practices based on suspicion of trafficking in persons.
- Teach human rights, which includes the rights of patients, medical workers, and the medical profession in health colleges across the country.
- Issue the Mental Health Law on a ‘priority basis’ and further develop health legislation to ensure patients’ rights and provide protection for doctors.
- Continuing the integration of persons with disabilities into the labour market and develop infrastructure for those with special needs to ensure right of access.
- Set up day care centres for senior citizens in all four governorates to help improve their quality of life.
- Implementation of workshops, lectures and introductory seminars in schools and civil societies in areas related to protecting the right to life and the physical and psychological safety of children.
- Working to achieve carbon neutrality in order to combat climate change and push for a national plan for adaptation to climate change.
- Doubling the number of trees and quadrupling the number of mangroves.
- Launch a master’s degree in international human rights law and international humanitarian law within the Faculty of Law at Bahrain University.
“Led by His Majesty King Hamad, Bahrain is undertaking a comprehensive reform and development programme based on values ingrained in Bahraini society – tolerance and mutual respect – to create a secure, developed and prosperous kingdom,” HRH Prince Salman said in the foreword.
“Fairness and sustainability are among the key pillars of His Majesty’s approach, which recognises citizens as the driving force of the nation’s progress and appreciates the importance of effectively and transparently safeguarding their rights.
“In recent years, the Kingdom of Bahrain has made important developments; parliamentary elections have enhanced participation in decision-making, in addition to the role played by independent bodies in the kingdom, the labour market has been modernised, and alternative sentencing has augmented our criminal justice system.”
HRH Prince Salman added that with the unveiling of the new National Human Rights Plan, “we take the next step in Bahrain’s journey.”
“The government will immediately start implementing this plan as part of our broader commitment to promoting and advancing human rights and fundamental freedoms of all Bahrain’s citizens and residents,” he added.
The implementation phase started in April this year and will end in December 2026, headed by a team from the Foreign Ministry. They will be responsible for following up on the implementation of each project and will issue annual reports on the progress, stated the document.
“In addition, a comprehensive study will be prepared that monitors goals achieved and their tangible impact on the promotion of human rights,” the document said.
The new plan builds on existing rights achievements and incorporates 17 main objectives, 34 sub-objectives and 102 projects - each designed to achieve the desired targets, particularly in the areas of legislation, institutional development, capacity building and raising awareness.
It includes plans to set up a database this year for local legislation in English so as to reach a wider audience and increase the number of surveillance cameras in prison, detention facilities and rehabilitations centres.
The country’s human rights record was previously scrutinised in 2008, 2012 and 2017 as part of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), which is a regular examination of human rights in the United Nations’ 193 member states.
Bahrain’s UPR will be held at the Human Rights Council in Geneva in November.
sandy@gdnmedia.bh
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