National Institution for Human Rights (NIHR) Participates in the Opening of the 33rd Session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva
The National Institution for Human Rights (NIHR)’s delegation, under the chairpersonship of NIHR’s Vice chairperson Mr. Abdullah Al-Derazi. The delegation included Member of the Council of Commissioners and Complaints, Monitoring and Follow-up Committee Member Dr. Hameed Hussein and Chairperson of Committee Affairs Unit in the Secretariat-General Mrs. Iman Ali.
The NIHR’s delegation participated in the opening of the the 33rd Session of the Human Rights Council in the United Nations Palace in Geneva on Tuesday 13 September 2016, which continues till the end of the month. This participation was part of the NIHR’s mission to achieve its aims in the field of human rights enhancement and protection as well as participation in the relevant international arena.
The Council discussed the situation in Syria through a recent report issued by the International Commission of Inquiry on Syria. The Council further discussed the human rights situation in the occupied Palestinian territories, Libya, Sudan, Somalia, Cambodia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Central African Republic and Burundi.
On the sidelines of the Human Rights Council meetings, the Council’s delegation met with the Permanent Swiss Ambassador in Geneva Mr. Valentin Zellweger. The Chairperson of the delegation explained in detail NIHR’s nature of work and aims as contained in its memorandum of association as well as its role in disseminating, protecting and enhancing the culture of human rights among the society individuals, in addition to specialized training programs that are implemented in this field for judges, lawyers, police members and civil society organizations.
Meanwhile, Dr. Hameed Ahmed Hussein reviewed the electronic application on smart phones for complaints and requests for assistance system previously launched by the NIHR to facilitate individuals’ access to the NIHR’s services in extension of the role undertaken by it in the field of human rights protection.
On his part, the Swiss Ambassador commended the NIHR’s efforts in this respect and emphasized the importance of the NIHR’s participation in international forums relevant to the human rights issues in order to exchange international and fruitful experiences and achieve the best human rights practices in Bahrain. He wished the NIHR and its stakeholders all success and progress.
The panel further dealt with various subject-matters relevant to human rights in Bahrain as well as the NIHR’s efforts thereon. It further discussed ways of mutual cooperation between the NIHR and the Swiss Embassy for the sake of enhancement and protection of human rights.
