Bahrain’s sustained human rights achievements have come in for high praise as the kingdom joins the world today in marking International Human Rights Day.
Parliament Speaker Ahmed Al Musallam emphasised that under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad and the guidance of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, 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.
Human Rights Day, observed annually on December 10, also coincides with the 77th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Mr Al Musallam said Bahrain’s human rights strides, rooted in the principles of the National Action Charter and the Constitution of Bahrain, reflects the kingdom’s firm commitment to international human rights covenants and its strategic partnership with the United Nations and its specialised agencies.
He 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 co-operation and national partnership with civil society institutions to achieve common objectives.
Mr Al Musallam noted the progress achieved across all human rights areas within the state of law and institutions, supported by constructive co-operation 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 (PDRC), the Special Investigation Unit at the Public Prosecution, the King Hamad Global Centre for Coexistence and Tolerance, the Royal Humanitarian Foundation’s relief and development work, and the active role of civil society and national media.
Shura Council chairman Ali Saleh Al Saleh said that Bahrain continues to advance its national human rights agenda, strengthening the royal approach to dignity, justice and the rule of law across development and daily life. He commended the progress and achievements the kingdom has made in the field of rights, attributing them to the national approach guided by the Constitution, the National Action Charter, and the directives of His Majesty.
He highlighted that the directives of His Majesty have provided a key foundation for establishing an integrated and sustainable human rights system that upholds human dignity and status, and enshrines the principles of justice, equality and the rule of law.
He emphasised that His Majesty’s reform project laid solid foundations for protecting rights and enhancing freedoms, reflecting the royal vision for human rights to be a firmly established daily practice, an integral approach in the development process, and a core element of Bahrain’s fundamental values.
The Shura chairman commended the diligent efforts of the government in translating the royal directives into practical policies and programmes that enhance rights protection and safeguard human dignity.
He commended the support and follow-up of HRH Prince Salman and his constant keenness to make human rights a central focus of government work, contributing to achieving human and social justice.
He emphasised Bahrain’s commitment to strengthening regional and international partnerships with friendly countries, reflecting the kingdom’s steadfast dedication to human rights.
NIHR chairman Ali Al Derazi emphasised that Bahrain has continued in recent years to strengthen its human rights framework by updating legislation and enhancing institutional mechanisms that support the protection of rights and freedoms.
He highlighted that oversight and human rights bodies, including the NIHR, the Ombuds Office, the PDRC, and the Special Investigation Unit, have helped reinforce transparency and uphold the rule of law.
“Bahrain continues to contribute internationally to promoting coexistence, peace and support for the legitimate rights of people, foremost among them the Palestinian cause,” Mr Al Derazi added.
He underscored the NIHR’s commitment to its mandate of monitoring, oversight, and raising human rights awareness, to safeguard the dignity of all members of society.
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