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Statement by NIHR Chairman on Human Rights Day

Eng. Ali Ahmed Al-Derazi, Chairman of the National Institution for Human Rights (NIHR), said that Human Rights Day, which falls on December 10 each year, is celebrated in all countries of the world as a reminder of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted by the United Nations on December 10, 1948, which this year coincides with the 75^th anniversary of it, explaining that it is considered one of the most important documents in the human rights field because of its great importance in defining individual rights and basic freedoms that every person must enjoy regardless of their gender, skin color, religion, nationality, or any other properties.

Al-Derazi stated that the Kingdom of Bahrain has taken significant steps towards strengthening and protecting human rights, within the framework of the Comprehensive Reform Approach of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the great monarch of the country, and with the support and follow-up of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Prime Minister.

Al-Dirazi pointed out the great interest that the Kingdom of Bahrain has given to efforts to establish the foundations of a state of institutions and law and ensure social justice and the supremacy of lofty human values, by respecting and protecting human rights and basic freedoms as an integral part of the Kingdom’s cultural and humanitarian history, which has risen on the foundations and values of humanity and justice since ancient times.

Al-Derazi praised the advanced steps taken by Bahrain in the human rights field, which contributed to achieving many national achievements and gains in all political, economic, social, cultural and developmental fields, explaining that what was stated in the National Charter and the Constitution in their articles included all known human rights, as they stipulated for equality between all citizens, freedom of expression, opinion, press, women and other freedoms and rights.

Al-Derazi pointed to the many national institutions and mechanisms concerned with human rights that have been established, most notably the NIHR, which has been granted competencies and powers in a manner consistent with the Paris Principles regulating the work of institutions, the Ombudsmen Secretariat-General of the Ministry of the Interior, the Commission for the Rights of Prisoners and Detainees, and the Special Investigation Unit of the Public Prosecution, in addition to establishing human rights committees in State institutions and ministries.

At the end of his statement, Al-Derazi stressed that the Kingdom of Bahrain gives top priority to respecting and preserving human rights, which it has always done and will continue to do to affirm people’s rights to live in security and stability, within the framework of the established approach of the honourable people of Bahrain derived from their civilizational and humanitarian values, which have strengthened the Kingdom’s stature and made it a distinguished model in respecting and preserving human rights that enjoys the utmost appreciation and respect from the international community.