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Human rights vow by Bahrain
By REBECCA TORR
Published: 5th DECEMBER 2008
BAHRAIN affirmed its commitment to and respect for the UN Declaration of Human Rights and its efforts towards its implementation yesterday.
The country, under the guidance of its leadership, will continue in its path to respect human rights in line with its constitution, legislation and political will, said Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dr Nazar Al Baharna on the occasion of International Human Rights Day.
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Human rights vow by Bahrain
By REBECCA TORR
Published: 5th DECEMBER 2008
BAHRAIN affirmed its commitment to and respect for the UN Declaration of Human Rights and its efforts towards its implementation yesterday.
The country, under the guidance of its leadership, will continue in its path to respect human rights in line with its constitution, legislation and political will, said Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dr Nazar Al Baharna on the occasion of International Human Rights Day.
“Bahrain ratified many rights related conventions and on this historic day we express our solidarity with the international community’s efforts in encouraging and respecting human rights,” he said.
“Bahrain also expresses its keenness to provide all assurance that these rights will be protected in a transparent manner.
“It is an honour that Bahrain has won the membership on the Human Rights Commission which is an achievement the country is proud of and takes very seriously,” he told a Press conference at the UN House, Manama.
UN officials, ambassadors, embassy officials, human rights supporters and media representatives were present.
International Human Rights Day falls on December 10 and this year coincides with the 60th anniversary of the Declaration of Human Rights.
UN acting resident co-ordinator Dr Habib El Habr said the declaration was based on the premise that everyone regardless of race, creed or religion was entitled to basic rights and opportunities.
He said these basic rights included housing, food, safety, security, clean water, sanitation, and clean air to breathe.
Dr El Habr, who is also UN Environment Programme Regional Office for West Asia director and regional representative, said climate change had a link with rights because its impact could deprive people of their basic livelihoods.
He called for awareness and access to information about the causes of climate change, how their lives could be impacted and how they can be of help to reach a solution or adapt to the situation.
“The state, as duty bearer, should have in place policies to minimise exposure and climate risks to people, especially the vulnerable,” he said.
“In the spirit of the UN declaration of human rights, the international community has the moral responsibility to work together to agree on solutions to the challenges that climate change presents.
“The link between climate change and the rights shows us that although the challenges we face may change markedly over time, what we all must remember, in all of our roles as governments, civil society, parents and part of the human race, is the declaration enshrines principles of respect and dignity for all.”
Short video messages featuring UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, Unesco Director-General Koichiro Matsuura and UN Human Rights High Commissioner Navanethem Pillay were played.
“The comprehensive vision of the Universal Declaration is a beacon of hope for the future – it contemplates a world with full realisation of civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights without distinction,” said Ms Pillay in her address.
“A world in which every man, woman and child lives in dignity, free from hunger without violence and discrimination, with the benefits of housing healthcare, education and opportunity.
“This vision represents a global culture of rights and should be a unifying force within and among all cultures.
“We must work for the full implementation of rights on the ground in a way that affects and improves the lives of the men, women and children who are entitled regardless of their race, sex, religion, nationality, property or birth to realisation of each and every right set forth in the Universal Declaration.”
UN Information Centre director Nejib Friji led the conference which also highlighted a Painting for Human Rights initiative conducted at the UN House in collaboration with Bahraini peace activist and artists Abbas Al Mousawi and Mariam Al Umran.
Forty-three Modern Knowledge School pupils, aged 10 and 11, painted pictures of peace, love, friendship, unity, among others, highlighting human rights.
Dr Al Baharna presented certificates to the pupils.
Mr Al Mousawi will take the pictures to the UN headquarters in New York next September, where they will be exhibited. becky@gdn.com.bh
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