On the sidelines of the high-level part of the nineteenth session held by the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), Minister of Human Rights and Social Development, Dr. Fatima bint Mohammed Al-Balooshi met with UN Human Rights Council Commissioner, Navitham Pillai.
Both sides reviewed cooperation between the Ministry and the High Commission in the field of the development and reinforcement of human rights, particularly in view of the latter’s great expertise in this regard. They also discussed Bahrain’s creation of the Independent Commission of Inquiry (BICI), which is considered unprecedented step at the regional level. In addition, Dr. Al- Balooshi discussed with the High Commissioner, the steps taken by Bahrain, including implementation of the recommendations of the (BICI) which investigated into the events that occurred in Bahrain, with the aim of strengthening the community’s social fabric, and eliminating the sectarian extremism.
Dr. Al-Balooshi reinforced Bahrain’s keenness on applying the recommendations of the National Dialogue, stressing that the Government has specially been interested in implementing the recommendations of the national dialogue.
Dr. Al Balooshi also reiterated that Bahrain is proceeding in its pioneering steps in the framework of its reform programme to promote national dialogue in the country through the existing democratic institutions.
The High Commissioner praised the steps taken by the Kingdom since the formation of the Bahrain Commission of Inquiry, stressing the importance of carrying on with implementation of the recommendations of Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry.
On the other hand, and regarding mutual communication between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Human Rights Council and in order to inform officials of the UN Human Rights Council about the achievements accomplished in aspects of human rights in Bahrain, Dr. Al-Balooshi met with President of the Human Rights Council, Ambassadress Laura Dupuy Lasserre.
Dr. Al-Balooshi pointed out that the Kingdom of Bahrain has accepted to create Bahraini Independent Commission of Inquiry and to implement BICI’s recommendations and proceed forward on their implementation, highlighting that it is an unprecedented step in the region.
Dr. Al-Balooshi stressed that the government is much concerned with cooperation with the National Commission for Follow up and Implementation of the recommendations of Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry, and revealed that these recommendations from the basic foundations for developing human rights in Bahrain. Dr. Al-Balooshi cited the Kingdom of Bahrain’s keenness on compliance with its national and international commitments.
On the other hand, the President of the Human Rights Council expressed her appreciation for Bahrain’s initiative of creating the Independent Commission of Inquiry (BICI), and implementing its recommendations. She added that reforms take time to implement, expressing her optimism that international experts will be able to help the Kingdom of Bahrain, describing the Kingdom of Bahrain’s initiative as a perfect example for solving one own problems by oneself.