Dr. Salah highlighted that the Arab states are gathered together by customs, traditions and a common language, where their lands were the cradle of revealed religions, and therefore there was a need for an Arab human rights day to crown such common accumulated civilization, which characterizes the Arab region from the rest of the world.
Dr. Salah also said that during the past three years, there were violations of human rights in the Arab countries, due to the lack of monitoring such rights.
Dr. Salah pointed out the initiative of His Majesty King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa to establish an Arab Court for Human Rights, which reinforces the respect of human rights, and consolidates satisfaction of the role played by the Kingdom to strengthen the joint Arab Action.
Dr. Salah said that HM the King’s initiative attained a great welcome from the member states in the League of Arab States, in addition to the role of Manama in embracing a specialized conference to review the submitted studies concerning the area of rights courts, and contributing in creating successful Arab rights mechanisms to consolidate human rights culture in a more broadly manner.
Dr. Salah pointed out that Bahrain is characterized as a state of institutions and law, and a land for human rights, for since Bahrain’s inception as a state in the twenties of the last century, it has established the first foundations to set up institutions and administrative work, where it succeeded in attaining advanced levels in the institutional action under the lights of constitution and laws.
Dr. Salah also said that the royal amendments encouraged the establishment of the National Foundation for Human Rights.
“Bahrain is witnessing these days important sessions to resume the national dialogue in the political theme, in response to the Royal directives to gather all the various components of the political community in Bahrain to sit at the table of dialogue, and reach a consensus in order to make further progress, prosperity and development in the Bahraini democratic march.”
Dr. Salah also pointed out that these initiatives are considered an Arab, reform and innovative movement which preceded the winds of change in many Arab countries, where the Royal reform project has started since February 2001, with a full national will. He said that the full reform programme included the resumption of parliamentary life and establishing a constitutional court. It also included establishing an independent public prosecution, creating the Ministry of Human Rights Affairs, the formation of political societies, and opening the door to have a free media.
Dr. Salah highlighted that all these democratic changes raised the scope of freedoms and rights, which made Bahrain an oasis of human rights and a haven for social justice.
Dr. Salah said that the new round of the national consensus dialogue is resumed for the prosperous future of Bahrain and Bahrainis, and aims at gathering Bahrainis together with all their various components to overcome the tragic events and reinforce their national unity.
“Bahrain is always aiming at elevating the rights condition, and I ask Almighty God to preserve Bahrain from any extremism or discrimination.”