Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs, praised the integrated legislative and democratic system that promotes and protects human rights, freedoms and dignity in the Kingdom of Bahrain, under the wise leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of the country, and the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
The Minister also expressed, on the occasion of the celebration of the International Day of Parliamentary Action under the slogan: “The future of human rights is written in parliaments,” his happiness with the outcomes of parliamentary work in the Kingdom of Bahrain, in developing legislation and measures aimed at promoting civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, in a manner consistent with the government’s program and the national plan for human rights, and in accordance with international human rights charters and agreements.
He appreciated the pioneering legislative achievements regionally, most notably the issuance of advanced laws for alternative punishments and measures, the open prisons program, restorative justice for children, combating trafficking in persons, protecting the rights of women and the family, the press and electronic media, and other modern legislation and policies that enhanced respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, without any discrimination based on gender, origin, language or religion, and established justice, transparency, accountability and the rule of law, within the framework of the separation of powers and their cooperation in accordance with the Constitution.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs praised the legislative system’s progress in advancing development and human rights achievements and expressing the will of citizens, by increasing the representation of youth and women, upholding the values of citizenship, tolerance and coexistence, and consolidating the rule of law and constitutional institutions, with the support of the Supreme Council for Women, the National Institution for Human Rights, the General Secretariat of Grievances, the Commission for the Rights of Prisoners and Detainees, the Special Investigation Unit of the Public Prosecution, the Bahrain Institute for Political Development, the King Hamad Global Center for Coexistence and Tolerance, and society. Civil society, press, media and cultural institutions.
He stressed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ keenness to strengthen the role of parliamentary diplomacy as a pivotal partner in consolidating peace, dialogue of civilizations, understanding and human coexistence, through the Kingdom of Bahrain’s non-permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council for the period 2026-2027, and its effective and influential presence in international diplomatic and parliamentary forums, and based on its success in hosting the (146th) session of the General Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union in March 2023 under the title: “Promoting Coexistence.” Peaceful and Inclusive Societies: Combating Intolerance,” and the royal call to adopt an international agreement to criminalize religious, sectarian, and racist hate speech, prevent the abuse of freedoms and media and digital platforms to disdain religions or incite fanaticism, extremism, and terrorism, and work to spread a culture of peace, understanding, and acceptance of others.
On this international occasion, the Minister of Foreign Affairs expressed the Kingdom of Bahrain’s deep appreciation for the honorable and responsible positions expressed by the parliaments of many brotherly and friendly countries, and the regional and international parliamentary unions, in condemning the sinful and unjustified Iranian attacks on the Kingdom of Bahrain and the countries of the region, as a clear violation of the rules of international law and international humanitarian law, and the principles of good neighborliness, and a blatant violation of regional and international charters, and international legitimacy resolutions, foremost of which is the Council’s resolution. International Security No. (2817) and Human Rights Council Resolution No. (61/1) and other relevant UN resolutions, which called on Iran to respect the sovereignty of states and not interfere in their internal affairs, to refrain from using or threatening force, to stop supporting proxies, to guarantee freedom of international navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and other vital waterways without restrictions or fees, and to cooperate jointly on the basis of trust and mutual respect, in a way that enhances security, peace and sustainable development in the region and the world.
At the conclusion of his statement, Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs, affirmed the keenness of the Kingdom of Bahrain, in light of the high vision of His Majesty the King, and the directives of the government headed by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to enhance integration and coordination and consolidate international partnership, in a way that supports the role of governments and parliamentary diplomacy in consolidating democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights, supporting regional and international security and peace, and promoting civilizational dialogue and understanding among peoples, as it is the best way to build a more global future. Security, stability and prosperity for all humanity.
