Bahraini PM's message on International Human Rights Day

His Royal Highness, Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, called upon the international community to adopt a more extensive and comprehensive strategy of human rights that is focused more on economic and social rights as a priority; being a key element to ensure the well-being and decent life sought by the peoples of the world. "A more structured international cooperation is needed to uphold the principles of human rights in all communities , which would lead to a further coordinated global economy capable of meeting aspirations of humanity in terms of prosperity, tranquility and stability, in the present and future ." The noble human rights principles endorsed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the subsequent conventions and treaties, constitute a great achievement in the history of mankind, he said in a message addressed to the world. He reaffirmed Bahrain's commitment to anchor the culture of human rights as a means to assist states in the implementation of development and construction programs and not as a tool for demolition of capabilities of nations and peoples by the promoting of fallacies and relying on mono sources of information to issue reports and statements. He pointed out that many countries of the world go through a set of unprecedented challenges in the political, economical and security levels, which increases the need for further cooperation and coordination, to reach solutions that would enhance human dignity and implement security and stability. "A human being’s right to security and stability is firmly emphasized by all religions and divine laws, therefore there should be no compromise with whatever threatens or hampers this right, HRH said.He hailed the importance of the Human Rights Day, being celebrated this year under the slogan: "20 years : Working for your rights ," in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the High Commission for Human Rights of the United Nations, which plays an effective role in promoting a culture of human rights and published in various countries . He paid tribute to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and said that that the Kingdom of Bahrain under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, has given priority to human rights in accordance with an up-to-date vision depending on its longstanding history of tolerance and coexistence between the followers of different religions , sects and ethnic . HRH reaffirmed Bahrain’s commitment to international covenants and human rights standards and said it has enhanced communication with all international institutions, openly, recognizing that respect for human rights has become a barometer of the progress of states. He pointed out that freedoms, the rule of law, equality and respect for human dignity are highly respected values in Bahrain, citing the Constitution. " No restrictions on the freedom of opinion and expression in Bahrain , and we have an honorable record in the area of human rights, which reflects the deep – rooted history and the values of our society derived from to the Arab and Muslim world , and in line with international conventions ." He noted that the Kingdom has a sophisticated system of laws and regulations that are reviewed periodically, in order to ensure that they are in conformity with international developments in this field. He also asserted that the Kingdom of Bahrain is proud to have many bodies that deal with human rights , namely the Ministry of Human Rights and the National Foundation for Human Rights , and the General Secretariat of the Ombudsman , and the Attorney General’s Special Investigation Unit, the Ministry of Interior’s General Inspectorate , National Security Organization’ s General Inspectorate, the Higher Coordinating Committee for Human Rights, and two human Rights Committees in the House of Representatives and the Shura Council. He noted that those bodies safeguard and protect human rights according to international standards and particularly the Islamic religion, which has laid the basic rules of respect for human rights for more than 1,400 years. HRH stressed that it should not be claimed that the countering of acts of sabotage and terrorism constitute a violation of human rights. He added that innocent citizens and security men, who perform their duty in providing security and safety fall victims of such acts. HRH praised the role of civil society organizations in supporting the government's efforts in maintenance of human rights through their awareness programs and contribution to the development of a culture of human rights at communities. He stressed those human rights associations in Bahrain operate at full freedom and according to the law and the Constitution. He also underlined the efforts of the United Nations and its Secretary- General, Mr. Ban Ki-moon, in the area of cementing human rights, stressing the importance of backing the international organization in its efforts aimed at the promotion of global security and stability.