Bahraini king\'s support for human rights highlighted

Human Rights Affairs Minister Dr. Salah bin Ali Abdulrahman said that the basis for human rights work in the kingdom had been laid by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, who affirmed constantly the importance of constitutional rights in supporting HM's pioneering Reform Project, calling for the need to join ranks in order to meet the royal aspirations. In a statement marking the Human Rights Day, observed across the world every year on 10 December, the Minister said that Bahrain joins the international community in commemorating the day in 1948 the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, out of its commitment to respecting, protecting and consolidating human rights. He added that Bahrain has always been –and still is- a beacon of human rights work and a hub of sublime human rights values of co-existence, consensus and love, explaining that the consolidation of civil, political, economic and cultural rights has always been prioritised in the kingdom's development march, which has earned it leading positions in indicators of development, corruption-fighting, monitoring, accountability and good governance. He called for the need to study the challenges facing the kingdom in the field of human rights, as well as its ambitions, and put forward a road map for successful human rights work in order to achieve HM the King's enlightened vision in this regard. He said the theme of this year's Human Rights Day, "20 Years Working for Your Rights", proves the kingdom's sound human policies, as the state is committed to promoting the human rights culture through making sure that rights and duties are respected within the rule of the law, rejection of violence and fostering the principles of dialogue and tolerance. He pointed out that the Bahraini society is by its very nature a cohesive one in which religious freedom, respect of other's opinion, tolerance and openness prevail. He underscored the kingdom's landmark achievements, including mainly the spread of the principles of democracy, justice, freedom and dignity, commitment to implementing all the recommendations of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry (BICI) and those of the UN Human Rights Council and the establishment of bodies that consolidate and protect human rights such as the Commission of the Rights of Prisoners and Detainees, among others. He added that Bahrain approved a number of projects for the aim of developing human rights practices, particularly the establishment of Human Rights Affairs Ministry, a High Committee to follow up on the implementation of the recommendations of the UN Human Rights Council, the National Institution for Human Rights (NIHR), human rights committees at the Representatives and Shura Councils, the Ombudsman and the Inspector-General offices at the Interior Ministry, the National Security Agency and the Special Investigation Unit at the Public Prosecution, in charge of investigating into alleged acts of torture, which, he said, are in line with the kingdom's efforts to honour its national and international commitments in the field of human rights. He affirmed that the Human Rights Day is an opportunity to consolidate the principle of dialogue in Bahrain and encourage political groups to join the National Dialogue so as to be able to contribute to the nation-building process. He stressed that Bahrain is resolved to carry on building a modern democratic state, and whoever seeks reform has to engage in building the nation, not in destroying it. He confirmed that Bahrain has always been –and will continue- to be an oasis of security, peace, co-existence, and respect of human rights for the citizens, residents and visitors. He added that the Kingdom is making confident reform steps, and is resolved to continue developing HM the King's Reform Project through adopting more reform practices.