Bahrain Marks Human Rights Day

Dr. Abdul Latif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the National Committee for Human Rights, praised the Kingdom of Bahrain as a leading model in upholding public rights, freedoms, and human dignity, grounded in justice, equality, and the rule of law. He attributed this success to the wise leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the guidance of the government under His Royal Highness Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Deputy King and Prime Minister.

Speaking on the occasion of International Human Rights Day and the 77th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, celebrated this year under the theme “Human Rights: The Cornerstone of Our Daily Life”, Dr. Al Zayani expressed pride in Bahrain’s long-standing civilizational record in promoting human values and protecting civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights. He emphasized the Kingdom’s commitment to ensuring justice, freedom, and dignity for all, without discrimination based on gender, origin, language, or religion.

Dr. Al Zayani highlighted Bahrain’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its human rights framework within a modern constitutional and legislative system rooted in cultural and religious values, aligned with international human rights standards.

He also underscored the Kingdom’s dedication to justice, integrity, and transparency, backed by an independent judiciary and the establishment of independent human rights institutions. These include the National Institution for Human Rights, the Ombudsman’s Secretariat, the Prisoners’ and Detainees’ Rights Commission, and the Public Prosecution’s Special Investigation Unit, alongside support for civil society and the oversight role of the Supreme Audit Institution. The Bahrain Institute for Political Development has also contributed for over two decades to promoting democratic and parliamentary culture.

Dr. Al Zayani noted Bahrain’s pioneering legislation at the regional level, including the Penal Code and alternative measures, open prison programs, anti-trafficking laws, and advanced media and press regulations, which support responsible freedoms under the rule of law. He also praised the legislative and societal environment that empowers Bahraini women to exercise their political and economic rights equally, supported by the Supreme Council for Women, headed by Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa. Laws protecting vulnerable groups, children, women from domestic violence, the elderly, and social security expansion were also highlighted.

The Foreign Minister reaffirmed Bahrain’s commitment to strengthening regional and international partnerships in human rights, fostering solidarity, mutual understanding, and recognizing the strong link between security, peace, freedom, democracy, and sustainable development. Bahrain’s active role in UN organizations and contributions through the King Hamad Global Centre for Coexistence and Tolerance—including awards promoting peace, youth empowerment, women’s rights, digital transformation, and interfaith dialogue—was also emphasized.

He expressed pride in the international community’s confidence in Bahrain’s diplomatic and humanitarian approach and noted the Kingdom’s leadership in regional initiatives, including the 46th Gulf Summit, the Arab Summit in Bahrain, and international efforts for peace, humanitarian aid, technological innovation, and climate action.

Dr. Al Zayani concluded by highlighting Bahrain’s election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for 2026–2027 and its upcoming presidency of the Arab Group at UNESCO, which will enhance the Kingdom’s diplomatic and humanitarian influence regionally and internationally. He reaffirmed that, under the leadership of His Majesty the King and with the support of the Crown Prince, Bahrain remains committed to advancing human rights across civil, political, economic, social, and cultural domains, in line with the National Human Rights Plan, the government’s programs, and Bahrain Economic Vision 2030.