Bahrain Showcases International Training Initiatives at OICOA Assembly

TDT | Manama

Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

Mrs. Ghada Humaid Habib, Secretary-General of the Ombudsman Office in Bahrain, participated virtually in the Fourth General Assembly of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Ombudsman Association (OICOA), held recently with the attendance of representatives from various member states.

The assembly reviewed key agenda items and received a summary of the discussions and recommendations from the 12th Board of Directors meeting, which was held on May 13. The President of OICOA also briefed members on the association’s strategic initiatives and priorities for 2024–2025.

Discussions emphasized the evolving role of OICOA within the OIC bloc, underlining its growing significance as a platform for human rights protection, institutional integrity, and solidarity among member states, while upholding the ideals of ombudsman institutions.

One of the major announcements made during the session was the success of diplomatic efforts led by the OICOA General Secretariat to secure recognition as an “OIC-affiliated institution.” This request has received preliminary approval from senior OIC officials during a meeting held on April 29, and it is expected to be officially endorsed at the upcoming 51st session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers, scheduled to take place in June in the Republic of Türkiye.

The assembly also reviewed OICOA’s strategic outreach efforts in Africa, aiming to expand membership by inviting new ombudsman institutions from the continent. Participating countries and delegates presented updates on capacity-building programs, including specialized international training and internal exchange programs among member states.

Highlights included:

A training program between the Moroccan Ombudsman and Bahrain’s Ombudsman Office.

A bilateral training exchange between Bahrain and Pakistan’s Ombudsman Office.

A technical training visit by Pakistani Ombudsman officials to Bahrain.

A series of remote training workshops held for OICOA members.

The assembly concluded with the adoption of several key recommendations and the approval of the association’s action plan for the coming period, signaling strengthened collaboration and shared commitment among member institutions.