Manama, Jan. 20. (BNA) – Human Rights Affairs Minister Dr. Salah bin Ali ABdulrahman received here today a delegation from Amnesty International (AI), led by its Deputy-Director for Middle East and North Africa Programme Hassiba Haj Sahraoui, Campaigner Sima Walting and Researcher Covadonga de la Campa.
Dr. Salah Ali welcomed the delegation, asserting that the meeting is part of the series of meetings held by the Human Rights Ministry with international organisations in line with its keenness to intensify contacts with international human rights organisations in order to project the real image of Bahrain and keep them informed about the reality of what is happening in it, as well as its human rights strides.
He discussed with the delegation areas of joint cooperation and coordination and ways of consolidating contacts between the two sides, calling upon human rights organisations to verify the accuracy and credibility of the information they receive from trustworthy sources.
He also confirmed that the human rights work is continuing in the kingdom thanks to the Royal directives and the efforts of the government policies and the parliament for the aim of consolidating the national human rights legislative framework and promoting their culture among members of the Bahraini society.
The Human Rights Affairs Minister asserted that Bahrain welcomes Amnesty International is welcome Bahrain as it has always been, adding that the kingdom respects all human rights guests who are looking forward to conduct field visits in order to follow up on the progress of the efforts to go ahead with the nation-building process and consolidate the reform and democratic march.
He added that the kingdom is embarking on numerous projects during this year, citing the nomination of the members of National Institution for Human Rights; follow up on the implementation of the recommendations of the UN Human Rights Council, as well as those of BICI, and the possibility of the kingdom’s accession to the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
Then, the Minister was briefed on Amnesty International’s remarks concerning the situation in Bahrain, as well as its latest report on the kingdom.
“The new phase requires all sides to assume their national responsibilities and participate in fruitful national work in order to lay the basis for a nation-dedicated generation,” he said, adding that all social segments in the country should engage in a comprehensive national dialogue through which a sustainable consensual solution can be worked out.
On their part, members of Amnesty International’s delegation expressed sincere thanks and appreciation to the Human Rights Affairs Minister for his cooperation with them.
WHQ