Meeting

The National Institution for Human Rights (NIHR)’s Council of Commissioners convened its 22^nd regular meeting by teleconference under the chairpersonship of
Ms. Maria Khoury, Chairperson of the NIHR, and membership of the NIHR’s Vice-Chairperson and Heads of NIHR Standing Committees, in the presence of the NIHR Secretary-General, who commended the General Directorate of Reformation and Rehabilitation for the award for being the first reformation organization in the Middle East in the field of implementation and compliance with international health, safety and hygiene protocols against the Coronavirus, which was launched by the French company (BUREAU VERIT), specialized in international quality standards.  The Council confirmed that this achievement is added to the achievements of the Kingdom of Bahrain at the level of excellence in correctional institutions, and that this award is an administrative achievement for the capabilities, potentials and sincere desire of correctional institutions to develop its action in light of its continuous endeavors to achieve the highest quality levels of performance through which respect for the rights of inmates is taken into account.

Then the Council reviewed the NIHR’s efforts in following up and dealing with the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, in line with the instructions issued by the competent authorities in the country to confront this virus and limit its spread.

The Council discussed a number of visits conducted by the NIHR to the correction and rehabilitation centres and workers’ accommodations, with the aim to ascertain the extent to which their inmates and workers access their basic rights.  The NIHR approved such reports and will contact officials of correction centres and owners of businesses with regard to what has been monitored during such visits and the recommendations concluded by the NIHR.

The Council examined the latest developments related to the NIHR budget for the two fiscal years 2021-2022, which were submitted by the government to the Parliament, and the importance of the NIHR having sufficient financial resources to enable it to carry out its duties contained in its Law of Establishment.  The Council also reviewed the proposed methodology for preparing and writing the annual report 2020, which will focus on the NIHR efforts and role in following up the precautionary measures taken by the Kingdom of Bahrain to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus.