Family rights get big boost

Manama : The new Family Courts Complex in Al-Haniniyah was opened yesterday by Wife of His Majesty the King and President of the Supreme Council for Women (SCW), HRH Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, giving a big boost to the Kingdom’s efforts to protect family rights and reinforce social stability.  

The newly built, three-storey complex, which houses a lower court, a high court, a court of appeals, and related offices, is located at the Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa Center in Al-Haniniyah. 

Speaking on the occasion, Princess Sabeeka said the Family Courts complex would provide speedy justice to the people of Bahrain, as it will “protect their rights” and “reinforce social stability”.

“The issuance of qualitative laws, most notably the family law, as well as laws and procedures concerning women and the family is a continuous work that runs parallel with the development of the society,” Princess Sabeeka said stressing  SCW’s resolve to support all initiatives aimed at maintaining the Bahraini women’s high status. 

Her Royal Highness also extended her utmost appreciation to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa for supporting the efforts of SCW in this regard. 

The 8,000m² facility, which comprises 14 rooms, was realised following a royal order issued by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa in November 2016, state agency BNA reported. The complex, according to the authority, is designed to ensure litigators more privacy. 

Following the inauguration, HRH Princess Sabeeka toured the new courts complex. Bahrain’s family court system started functioning officially in September last year. 

Speaking on the occasion, President of Court of Cassation, SJC Vice-President Abdullah bin Hassan Al Buainain, said that the establishment of the family court system reflects the Royal interest in ensuring equal justice for all. 

Minister of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments, Shaikh Khalid bin Ali Al Khalifa, said the ministry is keen to continue close cooperation with the Supreme Judicial Council to develop initiatives for the constant development of the justice system to enhance the role of family consultations. 

SCW Secretary-General Hala Al Ansari praised the efforts to strengthen the family stability within the national plan for the development of Bahraini women.