NIHR Chairperson’s Statement on HM the King’s Address
Eng. Ali Ahmed Alderazi, Chairperson of the National Institution for Human Rights (NIHR), stated that the address of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, reflects a clear affirmation of a fundamental principle within the human rights system namely, the close interconnection between safeguarding national security and protecting human rights, given that security and stability constitute the essential framework within which rights and public freedoms are exercised.
Alderazi explained that the blatant Iranian attacks against the Kingdom of Bahrain constitute a clear violation of the principles of international law, foremost among them respect for state sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs. Such actions negatively impact individuals’ enjoyment of their fundamental rights, particularly the right to security and safety. In this regard, he affirmed that the State’s adoption of measures necessary to protect its security and stability constitutes both a legal obligation and an inherent duty.
He further noted that the reference in His Majesty’s address to holding accountable anyone proven to be involved in acts that undermine national security or contradict the duty of loyalty to the nation aligns with the State’s right to protect its entity from actions that pose a serious threat to societal peace, within the framework of the rule of law and established legal procedures.
Alderazi stressed that achieving a balance between the requirements of national security and respect for human rights represents a cornerstone in building a state of law and institutions. He emphasized that protecting the nation is inseparable from protecting human dignity; rather, each reinforces the other. He also pointed out that the royal address reinforces the concept of national responsibility, grounded in respect for the law and the rejection of anything that may undermine societal unity or jeopardize security and stability.
