Bahraini human Rights minister meets ICJ representative

Human Rights Affairs Minister Dr. Salah bin Ali Abdulrahman met International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) representative to the UN Alex Conte and updated him on Bahrain’s approval of 158 out of 176 recommendations set by the UN Human Rights Council, pointing out the Kingdom’s mechanism to ensure their implementation. He affirmed Bahrain’s keenness on protecting citizens and residents’ human rights as stipulated in the Kingdom’s constitution, stressing the independence, competence and transparency of the Kingdom’s judicial system. The minister defended the Kingdom’s reserved stance to implement the recommendation relating to the death penalty as it contravenes Sharia precepts and the constitution. The ICJ representative lauded Bahrain’s decision to approve most recommendations, stressing the need for a national plan to ensure their implementation. The meeting was attended by the Foreign Ministry undersecretary, Human Rights Ministry assistant undersecretary for follow-up and coordination and legal affairs and conventions director.