The fourth workshop related to the National Human Rights Plan has been launched today remotely via video conference.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is holding the workshop under the theme “Role of the National Institutions and Non-governmental Organisations in Consolidating and Promoting Human Rights”.
The event is being held under the patronage of Foreign Affairs Minister Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Alzayani and Labour and Social Development Minister Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan.
In attendance were Stefano Pettinato, Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and UN Resident Coordinator, Shura Council members, Mps, experts, academic, press and media figures, head of Bahrain’s diplomatic missions and other officials, in addition to institutions registered with the Ministry of Labour and Social Development,
A total of 173 participants took part in the workshop, during which 23 papers were discussed, highlighting Bahrain’s National Human Rights Plan.
Addressing the opening session, Dr. Alzayani stressed the crucial role of national establishments and social society institutions as the cornerstone of Bahrain’s development and progress and a viable tool to enhance the Kingdom’s standing in regional and international arenas.
He underlined the importance of the plan which aims to highlight landmark national development strides and the protection of human rights in the prosperous era of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa.
He paid tribute to HM the King, hailing his wisdom and farsighted vision aimed to promote the principles of human rights and achieve Bahrainis’ aspirations and hopes and anchor the culture of rights and duties and the values of justice, transparency and accountability.
He reiterated the Foreign Ministry’s keenness to achieve HM the King’s directives to consolidate partnership between the state and NOGOs, in order to consolidate the true spirit of belonging and citizenship and ensure security, stability and welfare for Bahrainis.
Social Development Minister Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan praised efforts to complete the National Human Rights Plan in order to reflect the effective reality of human rights in Bahrain as well as the development and progress strides, led by HM the King.
He stressed the importance of the workshop which highlights the role of national institutions and non-governmental organisations in consolidating and supporting Human Rights, describing NGOs as partners in building the nation and assuming responsibilities.
Citing update figures, he said that the number of NGOs had jumped from 105 before 2002 to 640 this year, including charity, social human rights, women, youth, professional and expatriate institutions.
He said that 11 human rights institutions exercise their activities in Bahrain, hailing their vital role in protecting rights through an array of programmes that target all social categories, including labourers, especially during the circumstances resulting from the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
Cabinet Affairs Ministry Undersecretary, Good Word Society Honorary Chairman His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Ali bin Khalifa Al-Khalifa stressed the crucial role played by national institutions and civil society organisations in promoting human rights organisations.
He hailed HM the King’s directives, paying tribute to Hos Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al-Khalifa and to His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister for their care.