Rights panel still far away
Parliament yet to heed to the demand
Titus Filio
Contributor
Calls for a parliamentary human rights panel await action.
Members of the Shura Council and newly elected lawmakers have separately proposed a standing committee on the lines of the existing panels to follow up on the crucial human rights legislation either in the Council or in the Chamber of Deputies.
The committee was envisioned to represent all blocs in the parliament.
Last month, Council member Faisal Fulad reiterated his demand that the committee should be set up in the council. He said the panel should reflect the lawmakers’ seriousness in pushing for human rights. But he admitted it might not come as soon as it had been expected.
Rights panel still far away
Parliament yet to heed to the demand
Titus Filio
Contributor
Calls for a parliamentary human rights panel await action.
Members of the Shura Council and newly elected lawmakers have separately proposed a standing committee on the lines of the existing panels to follow up on the crucial human rights legislation either in the Council or in the Chamber of Deputies.
The committee was envisioned to represent all blocs in the parliament.
Last month, Council member Faisal Fulad reiterated his demand that the committee should be set up in the council. He said the panel should reflect the lawmakers’ seriousness in pushing for human rights. But he admitted it might not come as soon as it had been expected.
“We have submitted proposals but we have to wait further for action,” he told the Tribune yesterday.
Lobbyists, especially from non-governmental organisations, had hoped that the newly elected deputies would resume debates on pending bills on human rights and enact laws.
Draft bills or calls for amendments to laws such as anti-human trafficking, elimination of discrimination against women, domestic violence as well as important provisions on divorce, custody and family laws are in limbo.
“Someone should push for all rights issues in the parliament because Bahrain needs to enact laws in alignment with international treaties,” said Fawzia Rabea, a member of Amnesty International in Bahrain.
Several MPs supported the proposed parliamentary panel on human rights similar to those in other countries. “It should be independent,” said MP Jalal Fairooz.
“I was among those who had proposed the committee but we are waiting for the parliament’s action,” said Fairooz who is on the national security committee in the parliament.
All parliamentary panels have six to eight members. They include public utilities and environment, legal affairs, defence and national security, finance and economic affairs committees.
In the past, legislation on human rights was placed directly under the responsibility of the Speaker or the Deputy Speaker of the Chamber.
Lobbyists lament that without a regular human rights panel there are very few parliamentarians who will follow up on important bills on rights.
Article from: Bahrain Tribune Newspaper- www.BahrainTribune.com
