“Bahrain is a democracy, reform and popular participation hub where rights are protected and liberties are respected,” HRH Premier said as he met here today a delegation from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), led by Frej Fennich, Middle East and North Africa Section Chief.
During the meeting, the Chairman of the delegation affirmed that the kingdom has attained milestone “human rights achievements on which we can build.”
“We are in Bahrain to cooperate; not investigate. We have come here at the invitation of the Government of Bahrain to support its efforts in the human rights field,” he said.
HRH Premier pointed out that “Bahrain is a one-family society and we do not accept that one of our compatriots’ basic rights are abused or dignity undermined,” noting that the government’s main interest is to protect the Bahraini citizens’ rights, including the right to live in security and stability, without intimidation or terrorism.
The Premier emphasized that freedoms are guaranteed in Bahrain by the force of the Constitution, but, he added, when they are used as a pretext to undermine the security of individuals and destabilize countries, jeopardize their economies and pose a threat to their cohesion and civic peace, the matter goes beyond the natural exercise of freedom and becomes “terrorism”, and therefore should be confronted decisively.
“We have to take the necessary measures when it comes to terrorism, arson, violence and destruction, and Bahrain, in accordance with the international consensus, should combat terrorism,” he also said.
HRH Prime Minister added that there has been injustice inflicted on the kingdom because of the misleading and incoherent information disseminated by some sides, explaining that Bahrain has invited international organisations in order to allow them to be informed on reality within total transparency.
“We have nothing to hide or to fear of, and the establishment of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry (BICI) and the government’s implementation of 18 out of its 26 recommendations are compelling evidence of the soundness of our approach and sincere reform intentions,” HRH Premier, confirming the government’s constant keenness to reach out to the citizens and cooperate with constitutional institutions in order to ensure that Bahraini laws match those of developed countries and are in accordance with international standards, particularly the human rights ones.
“We have the capacity to address our problems and work out the right solutions to them, and our Parliament, which is elected by the free will of the people, is the venue to discuss the interests of the citizens and the nation,” he added.
“We always look forward to maintaining the unity of the Bahraini people, and enhancing the kingdom’s security and role in backing the International Community’s efforts to promote peace and stability,” he also said.
Chairman of the delegation hailed the Kingdom’s invitation, which he described as a “major step”, pledging that the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights will support the kingdom’s human rights efforts.
He also praised the kingdom’s achievements regarding the implementation of BICI recommendations, describing the decision to establish BICI as a bold move reflecting the government’s commitment to fairness and transparency.
He also emphasised that loyalty to the nation should be prioritized, calling for the need to join ranks and dedicate all efforts to promote security and stability.