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RIGHTS VOW
Published: 9th December 2008
MANAMA: Bahrain yesterday stressed its firm commitment to international human rights covenants.
“We are proud of our human rights record, which reflects the government’s keenness to abide by international treaties,” Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa said.
He was making his address as Bahrain joins nations in marking the 60th anniversary tomorrow of the Universal Declaration for Human Rights.
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RIGHTS VOW
Published: 9th December 2008
MANAMA: Bahrain yesterday stressed its firm commitment to international human rights covenants.
“We are proud of our human rights record, which reflects the government’s keenness to abide by international treaties,” Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa said.
He was making his address as Bahrain joins nations in marking the 60th anniversary tomorrow of the Universal Declaration for Human Rights.
He also stressed Bahrain’s firm intention to protect national achievements, highlighting the importance of further consolidating basic human rights.
“Human rights in Bahrain are guaranteed and institutionalised on the basis of law of sovereignty, as stipulated in the National Action Charter,” the Premier said.
He also described the constitution as a solid foundation stone to protect human rights and preserve liberties in general.
“Bahrain will honour its obligations and abide by the treaties it ratified and adhered to,” he said, vowing to continue promoting and respecting human rights nationally and internationally.
He said that Bahrain was among the precursors in promoting and protecting human rights. Such keenness, he said, stems from Bahrainis’ tolerant mindset, firmly imbued with the true principles of Islam.
“We embarked from the outset on promoting human rights as a fundamental cornerstone to secure people decent living conditions,” the Premier said.
He described the periodical review before the UN Human Rights Council as a “model” to emulate, as it reflected the transparent reality of human rights in Bahrain.
He also said efforts to further anchor the culture of human rights represented a continuous process which knows no limits.
“We firmly believe that Bahrain is a country for all, hence the need to co-opt all people for the national aspirations to be met,” the Premier said.
He also pledged to strengthen co-operation with civil society institutions and consolidate human rights further through education, culture and competence development.
The current political momentum, he said, is the fruit of the openness reigning in Bahrain.
“Such an atmosphere has ensured national platforms for political parties and NGOs to express their opinions freely regarding social development issues,” the Premier said, stressing the need to use such venues in promoting tolerance and national unity.
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