Meeting

Ms. Maria Khoury, Chairperson of the National Institution for Human Rights (NIHR), commended the historic step taken by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of Bahrain, supporting the peace agreement between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the State of Israel, which affirms Bahrain’s steadfast approach to commitment to peace and support for the rights of the Palestinian people, being one of the Arab constants, which reveals the civilized and pioneer role of the Kingdom of Bahrain in spreading the values of tolerance and coexistence among all peoples of the world and endeavor to reject violence and hatred.  She also stressed the importance of spreading a culture of peace and peaceful coexistence, claimed for by all human rights mechanisms, and stated that this step stands in support for all human rights and will accelerate the activation of sustainable development goals aimed at promoting and protecting human rights in all economic, cultural and social aspects.

Having approved the NIHR Council of Commissioners’ 14^th regular meeting agenda that consists of 12 items, the minutes of the previous meeting was approved.  Then, the Council listened to reports from Heads of the NIHR Committee on General Rights and Freedoms, the NIHR Committee on Detention & Facilities Visitation and the NIHR Committee on Complaints, Monitoring and Follow-up on their recent actions and accomplishments.  The Council also reviewed the most important outcomes of the field visits conducted by the NIHR through the three committees to workers’ housing and the future plans for more of such important activities.  Then, the Head of the NIHR Committee on General Rights and Freedoms explained the round table event that the NIHR intends to establish at the end of this month, which focuses on “The Bahraini Experience and its Role in Promoting and Protecting the Rights of Expatriate Workers in light of the Coronavirus Pandemic”.

Ms. Khoury reviewed the NIHR’s events, various activities and follow-up of the precautionary measures taken by the Kingdom of Bahrain to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus (Covid-19), and stated the importance of continuing the concerted efforts since everybody is required to assume social responsibility and protect themselves, their families and their relatives by adhering to precautionary actions and measures as well as instructions and directives issued by the concerned bodies and authorities in order to limit the spread of the virus and maintain the health and safety of everyone.

The NIHR Vice-Chairperson reviewed the results of the field visits conducted during Ashura season 1442 AH to correction and rehabilitation centres, with a view to closely review male and female inmates’ continued practicing of their religious rites in accordance with the rules and regulations of those centres and in line with relevant international human rights standards.  The Chairperson of the NIHR also gave a brief on the NIHR’s participation in establishing and implementing a national plan to promote and protect human rights throughout the Kingdom of Bahrain, pursuant to Article (12) of the NIHR Incorporation Law, which has previously been presented to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Parliament and the Shura Council, and was sent back to His Excellency Minister of Foreign Affairs this month.

During the meeting, the Council reviewed and approved the NIHR Secretariat-General’s action report for the 2^nd quarter of 2020.  For its part, the Council of Commissioners thanked the NIHR Secretary-General and all Secretariat staff for their efforts in supporting and continuing the work under such exceptional circumstances.