MANAMA: With the healing process is ongoing in the aftermath of 2011 unfortunate incidents, the Kingdom of Bahrain has implemented almost 100% of the recommendations of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry (BICI) as part of its reform process.
“The Kingdom of Bahrain reinstated 4600 workers, cases against 500 students were dropped, over 2100 detainees were released, 1500 Safety Court Cases were scrapped and over 240 cases for alleged criminal acts of police were transferred to Public Prosecution for investigation,” the Minister of Justice and Islamic Affairs told the Cabinet.
The detailed report highlighted Bahrain’s strides to meet the recommendations of Bahrain Independent commission of Inquiry (BICI) and ensure they are fully carried out.
The body in charge of following up on the implementation of the recommendations issued a report detailing progress of reforms and the government’s programmes in this respect.
The report, which labeled the ongoing efforts under two main themes: remedying mistakes of the past and securing a better future, sheds light transparently on the accomplishments and reforms brought about so far, which far exceed BICI recommendations. It cited tangible initiatives taken by Bahrain including improving the security and prison services by setting up the Prisoners and Detainees Commission in 2013 to prevent torture and mistreatment and the Ombudsman’s Secretariat General in July 2013. The Public Prosecution’s Special Investigation Unit started work in 2012. Around 98.94% of dismissed workers in connection with 2011 regrettable incidents have been reinstated, 10 houses of worship rebuilt while the rest are expected to be rebuilt by end of 2014. In addition to that, the report revealed that many laws were endorsed to further promote human rights.
It also underscored the importance of working out preemptive measures to prevent recurrence of 2011 regrettable incidents. It said intellectual and cultural tolerance in Bahrain underwent a hard test. Yet, the comprehensive royal reform project launched by His Majesty the King more than a decade ago proved its efficiency in staving off dangers through a constitutional monarchy, separation and cooperation between powers, a bicameral parliament and the execution of long-term development schemes spanning from the National Action Charter, in 2001, to Bahrain Economic Vision 2030.
The report also underlined commitment to the highest welfare and safety standards for all the Bahraini people so that Bahrain always remains prosperous, plural, tolerant and neutral.