Ten Bahraini non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have started a joint initiative named “Bahrain Unites Us” to eradicate sectarian strains in the country.
A number of civil societies were invited to join this initiative, which aims to bring together Bahrainis from all social and religious backgrounds, and relieve tensions caused by the unrest seen in February and March 2011.
Huda Al Mahmood, Vice President of the Bahrain Socialists Society and the initiative coordinator, said these societies would work “within the community and national levels to fight sectarian tensions and [strengthen] efforts to affect national unity.”
The principles of the initiative include reinforcing the concepts of citizenship, belonging and peaceful coexistence. This will further enable NGOs to practice their roles through fighting all discrimination attempts.
An executive office has been set up for “Bahrain Unites Us”, run by five members representing the founding NGOs, which will coordinate other NGOs and organizations, as well as interact with similar programs.
The initiative will include local gatherings in traditional Majlises, and hold meetings with parliamentarians and scholars.
The initiative will strengthen their reach through Social Media. The organization is setting up a Facebook page and an official Twitter account to help promote their national unity campaign.