Human rights respecting embedded in HM King's reform

The Assistant Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Faisal bin Jabur Al-Doseri has affirmed the keenness of the Kingdom of Bahrain to respect and promote human rights based on the reform approach of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and according to the religious and cultural values of the Kingdom. 

This came on the occasion of the Universal Children's Day, celebrated on November 20 each year. He noted that the Kingdom has acceded to several international conventions in the field of human rights, including the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. These two conventions require State Parties to submit to the United Nations periodic reports on the legislative and other measures taken by States to fulfill their obligations under these conventions.

The assistant minister said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as the Head of the High Coordination Committee for Human Rights, which includes representatives of relevant official institutions, coordinates the preparation of these reports and submits them to the relevant United Nations treaty bodies.

In this regard, he pointed out that the National Committee for Childhood had prepared the IV, V and VI report of the Kingdom of Bahrain, which was submitted to the Committee on the Rights of the Child in Geneva, adding that the report was based on previous reports submitted to the Committee, and highlighted the progress of the Kingdom in setting policies, programs and strategies for the implementation of the convention, most notable of which are the promulgation of the Child Law in 2012, the implementation of the National Children's Strategy launched in 2013, and the health, education and cultural services provided to children.

The Assistant Foreign Minister affirmed that the Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain, in line with the recommendations of the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child, continues to allocate a larger budget for education and health, in order to build and establish new schools and provide the necessary vaccinations for all children. He also stressed the Kingdom’s keenness to promote the basic principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the right of the child to development, survival and decent living under the democratic approach adopted by the Kingdom.

He added that the Higher Committee for the Welfare of Persons with Disabilities had prepared the Kingdom's I and II periodic report on the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities submitted to the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Geneva. The report confirms that the Kingdom of Bahrain has provided support to persons with disabilities before joining the convention, which is reflected in its promulgation of Law 74/2006 on the welfare, rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities, and Law 22/2011 on the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, along with the health, cultural, educational and social services. He also highlighted the role of the people with disabilities in public life, civil organizations and sports clubs.

He expressed his keenness to activate the role of all human groups, including persons with disabilities, in the development process through advanced training and rehabilitation programs and raising the standards of living. 

This is reflected in the main objective of Bahrain Economic Vision 2030, which is to "increase and double the real household income by 2030". This vision is based on three key interrelated principles that fulfill all the aspirations of Bahraini society: sustainability, competitiveness and justice. 

Economic support and the fight against poverty are two basic objectives that the Government of Bahrain seeks to achieve. People with disabilities are also provided with monthly monetary support, rehabilitation, and education services to have an independent life.

The Nasser bin Hamad Award for Disabled Persons' Creativity, launched in 2012, is one of the most important events organized by the Ministry of Labor and Social Development to encourage people with disabilities to participate in the artistic and cultural life.

The award aims at reflecting the interest of the Kingdom of Bahrain in the creativity of people with disabilities, in addition to highlighting their abilities in many fields in order to enhance their spirit of competition, honor their talents and innovation and showcase them in the media.