NHRC, NGOs Discuss Legal and Resource Challenges

The National Institution for Human Rights (NIHR) held a series of meetings with working groups from civil society organisations active in the fields of human rights and business, women’s and children’s rights, and the right to health, as part of efforts to enhance cooperation and strengthen community partnerships in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

NIHR Chairperson Engineer Ali Ahmed Al Derazi said the formation of these working groups aims to discuss challenges facing civil society organisations and explore mechanisms for joint cooperation. He highlighted the institution’s role as a key link between government entities and civil society.

The meetings reviewed key challenges, including limited financial resources, a decline in volunteer work, and legal challenges related to the Associations Law. Al Derazi stressed the importance of reviewing relevant legislation and supporting the development of a new generation of volunteers to ensure the sustainability of civil society work.

Participants welcomed the initiative, underlining the need to strengthen coordination and integration. They put forward proposals focused on capacity building, implementing training programmes, enhancing participation in oversight processes, and giving greater attention to digital rights and the rights of persons with disabilities.

The meetings concluded with an agreement to continue holding regular and more frequent sessions to boost effective cooperation, develop joint human rights initiatives, build capacities, prepare shared programmes, and organise workshops.