NIHR Participates in the Launch of the Workshop “From Documentation to Accountability: A Reading of the Revised Istanbul Protocol to Strengthen National Protection”
Eng. Ali Ahmed Alderazi, Chairperson of the National Institution for Human Rights (NIHR), Dr. Malallah Al Hammadi, Vice Chairperson, and several employees of the General Secretariat participated in the workshop organized by the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) under the title “From Documentation to Accountability: A Reading of the Revised Istanbul Protocol to Strengthen National Protection.” The event was held at the Judicial and Legal Studies Institute with the participation of representatives from national law enforcement and criminal justice agencies, as well as several civil society organizations.
His Excellency the Attorney General, Dr. Ali bin Fadhul Al Buainain, inaugurated the workshop, affirming that the Kingdom of Bahrain has made tangible progress in promoting and protecting human rights through an advanced legislative framework, independent national institutions, and established policies that reinforce the rule of law and respect for human dignity. He explained that these efforts have contributed to enhancing the criminal justice system by activating oversight and accountability mechanisms and strengthening preventive measures within law enforcement bodies.
For his part, Mr. Mohammed Khalid Al Hazzā’, Acting Public Prosecutor and Head of the Special Investigation Unit, stressed in his opening remarks that the Istanbul Protocol is the leading international reference for documenting allegations of torture, and that its 2022 revision came in line with scientific and human rights developments, thereby strengthening support for victims and enabling them to access justice.
On the sidelines of the workshop, Alderazi affirmed that Bahrain has established an integrated system for human rights protection, in which the relevant entities work in a coordinated manner that reinforces the rule of institutions and law. He emphasized the independence of the NIHR’s work from that of the SIU, ensuring specialization and effectiveness in the performance of each entity’s mandate. He also noted that the SIU’s reliance on the Istanbul Protocol as a core framework for investigating allegations of torture reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to international standards.
The workshop aimed to present the contents of the Istanbul Protocol following its 2022 revision and highlight its key updates, in addition to building the capacity of participants in documenting cases of torture and ill-treatment in line with international standards and strengthening cooperation among relevant national authorities. Its agenda included specialized sessions on the Protocol, its legal framework, and medical and psychological examination mechanisms, as well as discussions on the national experience in applying the Protocol and prospects for its further development.
