Al-Amn Magazine

SECURITY T he first international conference on alternative punishments, organised by the Ministry of Interior, featured a series of discussion sessions that addressed the experiences of alternative punishments several countries and the mechanisms for activating them to contribute to the rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates into society. The conference also highlighted the importance of these punishments in promoting concepts of community justice and institutional integration between government and private entities and civil society organizations. Ministers and experts from within and outside Bahrain participated in the conference, emphasizing the importance of alternative punishments in supporting reform approaches and developing modern penal policies in line with the highest democratic standards. This approach provides convicts with the opportunity to be rehabilitated and contribute positively to the national development process. Participants emphasized the need to reduce marginalization and social stigmatization of those benefiting from alternative punishments, and to enable them to integrate positively into society, thus consolidating the concepts of community security and sustainable development. The opening session reviewed Bahrain’s pioneering efforts in establishing an integrated reform system, through the implementation of the first law of its kind in the Arab world to regulate alternative punishments, in addition to launching the Open Prisons Programme, the first regional initiative of its kind, which reflects Bahrain’s commitment to consolidating human justice within international human rights standards. The session was attended by Attorney General Dr. Ali bin Fadhel Al Buainain, Minister of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Nawaf bin Mohammed Al Moawda, Director Gl oba l prai se for A l ternat i ve Sanct i ons Programme Bahrai n ’ s effort s an examp l e to fo l l ow