The Shura Council will, on Sunday, debate a draft law approving Bahrain’s ratification of the Mecca Convention that aims to strengthen co-ordination among member states of the Organisation of Islamic Co-operation (OIC) to combat corruption.
The legislation has already been endorsed by Parliament.
The Shura Council’s foreign affairs, defence and national security committee, chaired by Dr Ali Al Romaihi, reviewed the law and concluded that it complies with Bahrain’s Constitution and recommended approval.
“This agreement represents a new chapter in Bahrain’s ongoing efforts to strengthen international and regional co-operation in the fight against corruption,” said Dr Al Romaihi.
“By ratifying this convention, the kingdom reaffirms its commitment to transparency, integrity, and good governance – principles that are central to our legislative and national policies.”
The attached convention consists of 23 articles outlining definitions, objectives, areas of co-operation, and implementation mechanisms. It seeks to promote efficient and rapid exchange of information and investigations between law enforcement authorities in OIC member states to prevent, detect, and prosecute corruption-related crimes.
“The Mecca Convention will enhance our ability to share intelligence, recover illicit assets, and strengthen the technical and institutional capabilities of our anti-corruption agencies,” Dr Al Romaihi added.
According to the committee’s report, the convention covers crimes such as bribery of national and foreign public officials, trading in influence, and bribery in the private sector. It emphasises respect for state sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs, while allowing for voluntary and secure exchange of information among enforcement agencies.
The document also establishes procedures for information requests, data protection, and confidentiality guarantees, requiring written consent for any secondary use or third-party sharing of shared intelligence. It allows member states to cooperate through a secure electronic platform to facilitate real-time communication between agencies.
The agreement further calls on signatories to designate national law enforcement authorities responsible for its implementation and to participate in a Conference of the States Parties under the OIC Secretariat to oversee progress and encourage compliance.
Dr Al Romaihi highlighted that the convention involves no financial obligations on Bahrain, as it focuses on co-ordination, capacity-building, and information exchange rather than new funding mechanisms.
“This initiative is purely co-operative in nature,” he noted. “It strengthens the operational links between law enforcement agencies across the Islamic world without imposing additional financial burdens on the state.”
So far, 23 member states have signed the convention including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Sudan, Yemen, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Mauritania, and several African member countries alongside Bahrain (last year) – awaiting legislative approval for implementation.
The Shura Council will also debate a draft reply to His Majesty King Hamad’s address at the opening of the fourth National Assembly term last month.
The reply panel is headed by first vice-chairman Jamal Fakhro.
They will be also notified about three royal decrees issued by His Majesty during recess, amending the 2014 Traffic Law, the 1976 Penal Code and the 2002 Criminal Procedures Law.
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