Following its inaugural meeting the National Commission charged with implementing the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry (BICI) recommendations started taking steps towards implementing the recommendation 1723 regarding sacked employees, dismissed students and re-building of places of worship, the Commission Chairman Ali bin Saleh Al Saleh, said.
The Commission decided unanimously to charge its Chairman with following up the implementation of the recommendation with the concerned sides in order to accelerate the process, he noted, adding that his mandate includes taking the necessary action to ensure that dismissals of workers were not based on their exercise of their basic rights of expression, opinion, assembling or forming political associations and make sure that private sector companies’ sacked employees are treated similarly to those of the government.
He will also have to ensure that dismissed students who have not been charged by courts are reinstated, and follow up the government’s reconstruction of houses of worship, at its expenses and according to administrative norms.
Al Saleh extended his sincere thanks to the National Commission members for their patriotism and strong resolve to take tangible steps to activate BICI recommendations in order to reflect the earnest intentions expressed by the kingdom following the submission of the final report to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.
It is to be noted that, during the meeting, the panel approved its work mechanisms to follow-up the implementation of the recommendations with all government departments, as stipulated by Royal Order 45 for 2011, in order to be able to submit its final report before the end of February, 2012, and divided itself into three groups: Legislative, Legal and National Reconciliation.
Al Saleh asserted that the National Commission, involving eminent personalities, legal experts, and representatives from different political groups, will do its utmost to back reform and development efforts aiming to bring about more landmark achievements at all levels, under the wise leadership of HM King Hamad.
He extended heartfelt thanks and appreciation to HM King Hamad for his trust in the Commission members, vowing that they will assume their national responsibilities for the common interests of the Kingdom and its citizens.
He also explained that the National Commission will study all recommendations and propose the necessary amendments, procedures and implementation mechanisms, according to best international practices and standards and within a framework of transparency that allows the public to be informed on the progress of the panel’s work, pledging that all decisions and suggestions will be adopted only by consensus among the 18 members, or by an absolute majority, wishing them success in assuming their national responsibilities at this defining moment of Bahrain’s history.