Rabat : Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs, participated in the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) retreat, following an invitation from Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates.
The session was attended by Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, alongside representatives of Human Rights Council member states.
In his remarks, Dr. Al Zayani emphasised that Bahrain places the protection and promotion of human rights as a central priority in its domestic and foreign policies, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and supported by the government, led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
He said that Bahrain’s approach reflects its leadership’s focus on upholding the rule of law, justice, and equality, ensuring non-discrimination based on religion, sect, or ethnicity, so that all individuals enjoy equal rights and responsibilities.
He highlighted HM the King’s comprehensive vision of human rights, coexistence, and global solidarity.
The minister noted that during the Arab Summit hosted by Bahrain in May, HM the King presented five key initiatives, adopted by Arab leaders, which focus on fundamental human rights, including the right to life, dignity, education, health, and knowledge.
Dr. Al Zayani underscored that HM the King recognised the severe suffering caused by prolonged conflicts in the region, resulting in millions of casualties, displaced persons, and refugees, depriving them of basic rights in violation of international law and humanitarian principles.
HM the King has repeatedly called for an end to these conflicts and for comprehensive, sustainable peace to ensure global security, stability, and prosperity, Dr. Al Zayani added.
The minister highlighted Bahrain’s five initiatives adopted at the summit, which are the resolution of the Palestinian issue through a proposed international conference to achieve a two-state solution and establish an independent Palestinian state to secure just and comprehensive peace.
He noted that resolving this central conflict in line with international law and UN resolutions is crucial for regional stability.
He also commended the Saudi-Norwegian-European initiative to build a coalition for achieving the two-state solution.
The second initiative involved a directive for foreign ministers to engage counterparts worldwide to expedite the recognition of Palestine as a sovereign state and support its full UN membership. Recent progress includes recognition by Spain, Ireland, Norway, Slovenia, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, and the Bahamas, with hopes for more countries to follow suit.
The third initiative called for providing educational opportunities for those deprived of formal schooling due to conflict, displacement, and migration.
Dr. Al Zayani noted the devastating impact of ongoing regional conflicts on millions of young people, leaving them vulnerable to violence and extremism. He stressed the urgency of collective, coordinated efforts to address this crisis.
The fourth initiative focused on improving healthcare services for those affected by regional conflicts, enhancing pharmaceutical and vaccine production in Arab countries, and ensuring treatment availability through cooperation with the Arab League, WHO, and Bahrain.
The fifth initiative emphasised advancing collaboration in financial technology, innovation, and digital transformation to create an environment for developing cutting-edge financial services and products.
Dr. Al Zayani highlighted the transformative impact of digital innovation and artificial intelligence, urging its benefits to be accessible to all nations, not just advanced economies.
Dr. Al Zayani concluded by affirming Bahrain’s commitment to implementing these initiatives, outlined in the Bahrain Declaration issued at the Arab Summit.
He underscored that Bahrain has already begun taking necessary steps to follow up on these initiatives, not only during its presidency of the current Arab Summit but also as part of ongoing efforts in cooperation with international organisations and supporting entities.
The aim is to establish a safe and stable environment for Middle Eastern populations and usher in a new era of recovery for the region, he said.
