Interior Ministry Undersecretary Shaikh Nasser bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa affirmed his gratitude and appreciation for the professionalism of the National Institute for Human Rights (NIHR), adding that this is in line with the comprehensive development plan and visions of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, in promoting human rights through effective constitutional institutions and legal frameworks. He added that this includes the establishment of the Ombudsman’s Office, the Prisoners and Detainees Rights Commission (PDRC), and the Special Investigation Unit, all of which have contributed to consolidating the foundations of the rule of law and upholding individual rights.
Shaikh Nasser highlighted the Government’s role in this regard, headed by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, through the launch of numerous initiatives and programs, including the alternative sentencing and the open prisons program.
The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior noted the sincere efforts, professional performance, and commitment of the NIHR and its role in reinforcing human rights values and raising awareness in society, considering that promoting human rights is an integral part of the Bahraini society's culture.
He affirmed the distinguished role of the NIHR in monitoring the conditions of inmates at the Reformation and Rehabilitation Centres by providing them with services and rights stipulated in the Reformation and Rehabilitation Institutions Law. He pointed out the levels of integrated cooperation and coordination that ensure the rights of inmates and achieve the noble goals of Reform and Rehabilitation programs, according to an advanced perspective that safeguards rights and duties.
He also noted that the NIHR, given its transparency, independence in its work, objectivity, and professionalism in its reports, has been monitoring the recent hunger strike by some inmates, who voluntarily ended their strike on September 11, 2023. This falls within the role of the human rights institution in working to protect the rights of inmates and provide the prescribed services to them at the Reform and Rehabilitation Centres.
The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior concluded his statement by referring to the constructive cooperation and continuous coordination between the Ministry of Interior and the NIHR, which is progressing steadily to uphold rights, provide services, and achieve the goals of the rehabilitation process of reintegrating inmates as productive members of society.
