Chairperson of the National Institution for Human Rights (NIHR) Dr. Abdul Aziz Hassan Ali Abul received here today a delegation from the Austrian Parliament, accompanied by MP Mohammed Al- Jowder.
Dr. Abul gave a briefing about NIHR and its role in promoting and protecting human rights, especially after the issuance of Royal Decree 26/2004 stipulating the establishment of NIHR, which, he said, ensured it more administrative and financial independence, in accordance with the principles relating to the status of national institutions (The Paris Principles).
He highlighted NIHR's remarkable achievements like 2014 Chaillot Prize for the promotion of human rights in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region and NIHR's 2013 annual report on the human rights conditions in Bahrain, which was praised locally and international for its impartiality and accountability.
The delegation was informed about NIHR's experience in receiving complaints, monitoring violations and offering programmes pertaining to human rights.
The Head of the delegation MP Christine Muttonen expressed readiness to support NIHR in achieving its goals and consolidating joint cooperation in the field of human rights.
The meeting was attended by Chairman of the parliamentary group of the Austrian People's Party (OVP) Dr. Reinhold Lopatka, Senate Member Monika Muhlwerth, MP Dr. Jessi Lintl, MP and spokesperson on foreign policy and EU affairs Brigitte Brenner, Austrian Ambassador to Bahrain Ulrich Frank, NIHR Secretary-General Dr. Ahmed Farhan, NIHR's Director of Legal Affairs Yasser Ghanim Shaheen and NIHR Head of International Mechanisms Latifa Al-Jalahma.