Al Wefaq to press for human rights committee
MP to hold ‘Council of People’
Sandeep Singh Grewal
Staff Reporter
Al Wefaq bloc would be emphasising for the setting up of a human rights committee in Parliament.
This initiative would be led by bloc member and political activist Jalal Fairooz. “There was a human rights committee when the Royal decree No. 24 in 1999 was issued. This was during the period when there was only one House and that was the Shura (Consultative) Council. It was headed by Sameer Rajab but in 2002 when the new Parliament was elected the committee was scrapped. We want the committee to be reinstated this time in the House as it is a step forward for democracy in the Kingdom,” he told the Bahrain Tribune.
Al Wefaq to press for human rights committee
MP to hold ‘Council of People’
Sandeep Singh Grewal
Staff Reporter
Al Wefaq bloc would be emphasising for the setting up of a human rights committee in Parliament.
This initiative would be led by bloc member and political activist Jalal Fairooz. “There was a human rights committee when the Royal decree No. 24 in 1999 was issued. This was during the period when there was only one House and that was the Shura (Consultative) Council. It was headed by Sameer Rajab but in 2002 when the new Parliament was elected the committee was scrapped. We want the committee to be reinstated this time in the House as it is a step forward for democracy in the Kingdom,” he told the Bahrain Tribune.
The committee will be backed by 17 MPs from Al Wefaq bloc. “Majority of parliaments worldwide have a human rights committee which is essential. Suggestions from the public would be considered and all the human rights issues will be dealt. We would push this issue forward as it would help the citizens to express themselves without restricting their freedom. I am in talks with independent candidates who have also shown their concern for the committee in Parliament and a person should be nominated to head it,” said Fairooz, who is member of the several human rights organisations.
The MP will also be holding a community parliament in his area which would consist of representatives from the blocks and villages in the area. Jalal said: “There should be ‘Council of People’ where anyone can air their views and suggestions. There would be volunteers and activists from the civic societies who will help the people. We have held two successful meetings recently and there would be more similar community meetings that would be held regularly. I want this to be adapted by all the MPs as it would yield productive results.”
Article from: Bahrain Tribune Newspaper- www.BahrainTribune.com
