During IPU’s 128th Assembly, the Bahraini delegation was selected, uncontested, by Arab and GCC parliamentary delegations, to hold the seat of the Arab group in the Coordinating Committee of Women Parliamentarians.
Concerning proposals of the Bahraini delegation during the event, Jamel Fakhro said that IPU members endorsed a proposal submitted by the member of the Bahraini delegation Jameela Salman on the preventing the e use of children in armed or peaceful conflicts, prosecuting those responsible for tricking minors into such conflicts and exploiting them in demonstrations and enacting laws that punish those behind those acts.
The proposal was approved by 33 countries out of the 52 participating ones.
He added that Dr. Aysha Mubarak took part in a workshop on “New Vision for Development”, and suggested establishing an International Parliamentary Electronic Monitor to measure democratic governance indices across the world, such combating corruption, protection and consolidation of human rights, transparency, etc.
Fakhro stressed that 128th IPU Assembly was a platform where the latest regional and global developments were reviewed, noting that the recommendations issued will help develop development goals after 2015 and the sustainable goals to be implemented in developing and developed countries.
The Kingdom’s delegation to IPU Assembly, including Shura Council members Dr. Aysha Mubarak, Jameela Salman and Dr. Said Ahmed and MPs Dr. Ali Ahmed and Isa Al-Koheji, contributed effectively in all the meetings and workshop held on the sidelines of the event.
Members of the delegation highlighted the landmark achievements and milestone reforms spearheaded by the political leadership and the government at the political, economic and social levels, especially regarding the protection of human rights.
The delegation reviewed Bahrain’s experience in consolidating the mechanisms to protect human rights, in accordance with international standards. It also informed other participants on the Kingdom’s unique experience in laying the foundation of a modern state based on the rule of the law and respect of human rights.
They also defended Arab issues, in line with the kingdom’s belief in the common destiny of Arab peoples and joint interests of Arab interests.
The delegation also took part in a workshop on woman and child health and briefed the participants on the advanced level of public health in the kingdom, particularly that of children and the family.
On drugs, the delegation highlighted the need to develop an international law incriminating drug consumption and trafficking, stressing Bahraini laws do not allow any practices that are in disharmony with morals and religious precepts of the Bahraini people.
During the meeting of women parliamentarians, the delegation highlighted Bahrain women’s participation in public life, role in politics and outstanding contributions in economic and social affairs.
Fakhro also called upon parliamentarian to start identifying the next goals after the Millennium Goals of 2015, stressing the need to focus on equal opportunities, education, dialogue among cultures and providing more effective support in order to achieve MDGs in the future.
The delegation held coordination meeting with their GCC and Arab counterparts and it was agreed that parliaments exercise pressure on their governments to assume their humanitarian responsibilities towards Syrian refugees and support their host countries.
In another meeting, the delegation met its French counterpart and informed its chairman and members on the latest developments in the kingdom, shedding lights on the milestone democratic strides achieved during the past period and the development achievements in the political, human rights, economic and social fields.
Members of the French delegation expressed satisfaction at the kingdom’s initiatives to overcome the repercussions of the regretful events, wishing that the on-going National Consensus Dialogue would succeed in meeting the aspirations of the Bahraini people.
They also invited the Bahraini delegation to visit France.