NIHR, in collaboration with “Bahrain Chamber” and “UNDP”, is organizing a forum titled "Advancing Business and Human Rights”
As part of its commitment to enhancing the relationship between business and human rights, the National Institution for Human Rights (NIHR), in partnership with the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the UNDP, organized a forum titled "Advancing Business and Human Rights." This forum brought together local and international human rights experts, specialists, business representatives, and non-governmental organizations.
During the forum, Mr. Ali Ahmed Alderazi, the Chairperson of the NIHR, highlighted that this event is part of the significant developments in the human rights sector within the Kingdom of Bahrain, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and supported by the government led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
Alderazi stated that the forum aimed to bolster awareness and dialogue about business and human rights, address challenges, and evaluate proposed solutions for best practices in this area. He emphasized the crucial role of integrating human rights principles into business strategies to promote sustainability and transparency.
Mr. Khaled Mohammed Najibi, the First Vice President of the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry, observed that the intersection between business and human rights is increasingly intertwined and attracting global attention. Bahrain has enacted and developed numerous laws and legislations that enhance the application of human rights and achieve developmental goals, particularly in the areas of labor and employment. Efforts have also been made to improve cultural, educational, economic, and health standards, among other aspects impacting the lives of citizens and residents.
Najibi noted that Bahrain today holds a commendable record of achievements in respecting and promoting human rights, recognized by several international organizations for its leading efforts across political, developmental, economic, and cultural sectors.
He further confirmed that business owners in Bahrain are dedicated to implementing safety and security standards for workers and actively participating in social responsibility and development programs. These efforts support national initiatives and align with the directives of the leadership to foster an environment conducive to sustainable development for future generations.
Mr. Firas Gharaibeh, Acting Resident Representative of the UNDP, declared the United Nations' commitment to promoting human rights and business worldwide, including in Bahrain. He cited the robust infrastructure in Bahrain, bolstered by the National Human Rights Plan, which fosters integrated policies among the government, business sector, and civil society to achieve mutual goals.
Gharaibeh acknowledged the numerous benefits of integrating human rights into business practices, including attracting international investments, enhancing business competitiveness, and improving working conditions. He praised Bahrain as a prominent financial center in the Middle East, noted for its economic diversity and resilience, with strong sectors in financial services, manufacturing, and a growing tourism industry. He emphasized the importance of ongoing cooperation among government officials, business leaders, and civil society to further enhance human rights and business practices in Bahrain.
The forum included two sessions; the first led by Harpreet Kaur, a Business and Human Rights Specialist at the UNDP in Asia, discussed the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, as well as global and regional developments.
The second session explored the development of business in the context of human rights in Bahrain, featuring contributions from Ms. Hala Ramzi Fayez, a member of the Council of Commissioners at the National Institution, Mr. Ahmed Sabah Alsloom, a member of the Executive Office at the Bahrain Chamber and President of the Bahrain Association for Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Mr. Nizar Hamid Ali, Director of Safety and Occupational Health at Aluminium Bahrain, and Mr. Abdulaziz Al-Mawdah, a Human Rights Lecturer at Bahrain University College.
On the sidelines of the forum, Mr. Ahmed Sabah Alsloom stressed the vital role of civil society institutions in advancing business and human rights. He noted the effective measures taken by Bahrain to enhance the concept of "Advancing Business and Human Rights," focusing on implementing human rights principles and preventing violations by business owners, amidst continuing partnerships between civil institutions, legislative and executive authorities, and the National Institution for Human Rights in achieving these objectives.
