Bahrain Highlights Digital Rights at Moscow Human Rights Summit

Bahrain’s National Institution for Human Rights (NIHR) marked a significant presence at the 10th Eurasian Alliance meeting of Ombudsman Offices and National Human Rights Institutions, held over two days in Moscow under the patronage of Russia’s Federal Human Rights Commissioner. The opening session was inaugurated by Professor Tatiana Moskalkova, Chairperson of the Russian Human Rights Commission, who welcomed participating delegations from across the region.

Representing Bahrain, Dr. Mal Allah Al Hammadi, NIHR Deputy Chairperson, and Ms. Rawda Salman Al Aradi, Commissioner, actively contributed to discussions on modern human rights challenges.

Dr. Al Hammadi delivered a keynote at the 9th International Scientific and Practical Conference on "Human Rights Protection Challenges: Exchanging Best Practices of Ombudsmen," highlighting Bahrain’s efforts to safeguard human rights in the digital age. He outlined the Institution’s initiatives to address digital transformation, including awareness programs on privacy rights, anti-cyberbullying campaigns, monitoring human rights issues via social media, and fostering public-private partnerships to ensure digital safety.

Meanwhile, Ms. Al Aradi presented a paper on "Exchanging Best Practices for Protecting Residents in Remote and Rural Areas," emphasizing the Institution’s commitment to aligning national policies with the Sustainable Development Goals. She underscored Bahrain’s inclusive human rights approach, which extends protections to all residents, and highlighted NIHR’s key initiatives: field monitoring through both announced and unannounced visits, preparing reports and recommendations, running awareness campaigns, engaging with civil society, communicating in multiple languages, and harmonizing legislation with international human rights standards.

The NIHR is a proud member of the Eurasian Alliance and holds the distinction of being the first Arab institution to join this platform. The Alliance serves as a pivotal forum for dialogue, cooperation, and the enhancement of human rights practices among ombudsman offices and national institutions worldwide.