In a statement marking the Human Rights Day, observed all over the world on December 10th every year, Dr. Salah Ali hailed the effective role played by all UN bodies and specialised agencies and the civil society to upgrade human rights practices, consolidate them and promote their culture, calling upon governments, NGOs and UN bodies to coordinate efforts and cooperate more effectively in order to protect human rights and reject all forms of violations locally, regionally or globally.
Dr. Salah added that the theme of this year’s Human Rights Day, “Inclusion and the right to participate in public life,” aims to highlight the rights of all people to be included in decision-making processes and participate in public life, noting that participation is the core of social development and successful economic development.
He also explained that the citizens’ ability to participate in discussing public issues that interest them, elect of their representatives at legislative councils and express their opinions through various means is a proof of their country’s sound political environment and commitment to democratic practices.
In this regard, the Minister affirmed that the kingdom has ensured the participation of all members of the society in the democratic process ever since His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa launched his pioneering Reform Project, adding that democracy was the basis of the Political Reform and the comprehensive development march witnessed by Bahrain during HM the King’s glorious era.
Dr. Salah pointed out that municipal and parliamentary elections have enabled the citizens to take part in public affairs of the nation positively and assume their national responsibilities, in line with Article 25 of ICCPR which stipulates that every citizen shall have the right and the opportunity, without any distinctions or unreasonable restrictions to “take part in the conduct of public affairs, directly or through freely chosen representatives,” “vote and to be elected at genuine periodic elections which shall be by universal and equal suffrage and shall be held by secret ballot, guaranteeing the free expression of the will of the electors” and “have access, on general terms of equality, to public service in his country.”
He also asserted that the kingdom guaranteed the freedom of expression for all through all means, in line with the Article 23 of the constitution affirms that “Freedom of speech and freedom to carry out scientific research shall be guaranteed. Every person shall have the right to express and propagate his opinion in words or in writing or by any other means, in accordance with the conditions and procedures specified by the law.”
The Human Rights Affairs Minister also expressed Bahrain’s constant interest to step up its cooperation with international human rights organisations and enhance contacts with them in order to build bridges of trust and enable them to be informed about the wrong information disseminated by some sides in order to be able to write credible reports, which, he confirmed, reflects the kingdom’s commitment to transparency.
The Minister affirmed the rights of the citizens to participate in public life, calling for need to put forward norms and procedures that prevent abusing the national political system or harming the interests of others while exercising those rights.
He added that although the rights to assemble and organize marches are guaranteed by the law, they should be organised in conformity with the law and regulations.