Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ali Al Khalifa underlined the role of the National Institution for Human Rights (NIHR) in promoting the culture of human rights, pointing out Bahrain’s strides in this respect since the launch of the royal reform project.

He was speaking in a celebration held by NIHR which was also attended by Assistant Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Faisal Al Dussari, Information Ministry Undersecretary Abdulrahman Bahar, members of the Representatives and Shura Councils, senior officials, ambassadors and advocates of human rights. 

The ceremony was held to mark the Human Rights Day which coincides with the international community’s celebration of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on December 10. 

The Human Rights Day is observed this year under the theme "Let’s Stand All for Equality, Justice and Human Dignity".

The Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Minister said that the judicial autonomy, guaranteed by the constitution, is the biggest guarantor of rights and freedom. As a matter of fact, he added, many training programmes in the judicial field aim to boost the concept of human rights. He noted that the constitution and law regulate exercising rights and protect them according to international conventions. He praised the key role played by NIHR in this respect, stressing the importance to continue promoting the concepts of human rights apart from politicization. 

In a statement to Bahrain News Agency (BNA), NIHR President Maria Khouri pointed out that the recently-released report of the Financial Audit Office reflects work credibility. She pointed out the policy of austerity followed by the institution to meet the available budget without affecting the training programmes which have doubled to maximize the benefit drawn from them. She praised keenness of the Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Minister to attend the function which mirrors confidence between NIHR and the government institutions. She also commended the unlimited support accorded to the institution by the Supreme Council for Women, pointing out an increase in the number of female employees in the institution from 58% to 71% of the overall number. 

The NIHR President affirmed that the institution was established to contribute to achieving justice, security and peace through transparent and positive work with the competent parties. She paid tribute to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa for his unflinching support and for his initiative to establish the institution to deal responsibly with the human rights issues in Bahrain.