Bahrain entered a new era yesterday as it became the first country in the Gulf to start work on a National Human Rights Action Plan (NHRAP).
Only five other Arab countries have a similar plan: Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Iraq and Mauritania.
The consultations formally began during a three-hour-long online workshop organised by the Foreign Ministry with the participation of MPs, Shura Council members, experts and diplomats.
Foreign Minister Dr Abdullatif Al Zayani said the country continued to be a leader in reforms with human rights at the core of its principles.
“This workshop sets the foundation for the preparation of the National Human Rights Action Plan, which is a new instrument for promoting and protecting social, cultural, economic, civil and political rights.
“We are proud of Bahrain’s achievements in the field of human rights over the years with the National Action Charter, Constitution, and the United Nations commitments as part of initiatives adopted by His Majesty King Hamad.”
Dr Al Zayani told 75 representatives taking part in the online event that Bahrain led from the front by amending legislation in line with human rights principles, setting up independent bodies like the Ombudsman, introducing alternative sentencing to reintegrate inmates, and combating human trafficking.
“Human rights is a cornerstone of our foreign policy and we enter a new era by working on the National Human Rights Action Plan,” he said.
Dr Al Zayani said MPs, Shura Council members and non-governmental organisations will be consulted and their recommendations reviewed following which the action plan is expected to be submitted to the Cabinet later this year.
Assistant Foreign Minister Abdulla Al Doseri said Bahrain will work with all the stakeholders in drafting the plan.
“Five Arab countries have National Human Rights Action Plans – Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon, Morocco and Mauritania (22.7 per cent of Arab countries). Bahrain is the sixth and first among Gulf countries to join the initiative,” he said.
“We have a national strategy for women’s development (2013-2022), child development (2018-2022) and several other schemes for the elderly, special needs people and protection of the environment.”
Model
He said Bahrain was a model for religious tolerance, cultural diversity with respect to all, underlining the importance of minimum wage especially for foreign workers.
British Ambassador Roderick Drummond said the UK was ready to work with Bahrain on the plan.
“Human rights are more than simply articles of international law, though that in itself would be reason enough to defend them,” he said.
“They also provide collective opportunities and freedoms that are key to achieving long-term prosperity and security.”
The diplomat said it was an important opportunity for all stakeholders to contribute to the NHRAP as they are “guardians of fairness and opportunity for all”.
“We need to reset our plans and set new directions due to the Covid-19 crisis and action plans like these are critical for better understanding of human rights among communities particularly police, judges, prison staff, politicians and local government officials.”
Similar views were echoed by Parliament chairwoman Fouzia Zainal who said MPs continue to work on updating legislation in line with human rights principles, as a source for development.
Meanwhile, Shura Council member Mona Almoayyed raised the issue of poor housing conditions of expats and called for mechanisms where properties cannot be rented without official approval.
UN Development Programme resident representative Stefano Pettinato said human rights action plans in other countries have become pillars of progress, with Bahrain set in the right direction.
“The proposed National Human Rights Action Plan is a testament to Bahrain’s long-standing commitment to leaving no one behind and an important mechanism to promote meaningful dialogue on human rights,” he said.
Bahrain currently serves (2019-2021) on the 47-member Geneva-based UN Human Rights Council in the Asia-Pacific States Group.
It was elected twice to a seat on the council and served from 2006 to 2007 and 2009 to 2011.
The country’s human rights record was previously scrutinised in 2008, 2012 and 2017 as part of the Universal Periodic Review, which is a regular examination of human rights in the UN’s 193 member states.
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