Manama: Bahrain Jurists Society (BJS) yesterday welcomed the anti-discrimination law issued by the UAE and called on other countries in the Arab world to follow suit.
UAE President Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan issued the law criminalising any form of discrimination on the basis of religion, caste, creed, doctrine, race, colour or ethnic origin.
BJS board member Islam Ghunaim described it as an advanced civilised step to protect the rights and dignity of citizens and residents.
“The new law ensures the freedom of individuals from religious intolerance … and boosts the UAE’s policy of inclusiveness. It also goes in line with the recommendations of Durban Conference on the unity and equality of humans,” he said.
Mr Ghunaim, who is also the head of the division of co-ordination with public authorities in BJS, explained that although current laws in Bahrain ensure protection against discrimination, they need to be developed and combined with tough enforcement on the ground.
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