Human Rights and Social Development Minister and Acting Health Minister Dr. Fatima Mohammed Al-Balooshi received a delegation from British-based InterMediate Organisation led by Mark Muller.
She hailed strong Bahrain-British relations, stressing the efforts of the Government to achieve national reconciliation in the aftermath of last February-March deplorable events which impacted the national fabric.
She described Bahraini people as a unique model of national unity and social harmony, staving off hatred-fuelling calls and abhorring any attempts to drive wedges and sow divisions among citizens.
“National unity represents today’s real challenge for all Bahrainis”, she said, expressing her confidence in the ability of Bahraini people to emerge from this defining moment and litmus test more united than ever.
“Bahrainis are used to settling their own differences through successful dialogue without any need for mediation”, she adding, underlining the national initiatives to bridge the rifts and achieve comprehensive reconciliation.
She outlined the results compiled by the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry into last February-March unrest. Stressing the Kingdom’s resolve to implement commitments and recommendations and pursue the development march and democratic construction.
She cited particularly the establishment of the Compensation Fund which will benefit people affected by the deplorable events. In this regard, she said that Bahrain would study Arab and foreign experiences in compensating victims – particularly the Moroccan and South African examples- taking into account Bahrain’s specifics.
Human Rights Undersecretary Said Al-Faihani, Assistant Undersecretary for follow-up and human rights affairs coordination Khalifa Al-Kaabi and other officials attended.