Manama : The King Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Coexistence stands firm in its commitment to denounce all forms of racial discrimination and reject rhetoric that fuels intolerance and hatred, Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the centre said.
The chairman said that ‘The Kingdom of Bahrain Declaration’, which embodies the vision and approach of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, aims to foster cultural and religious harmony, emphasising the importance of justice, equality and unity among all individuals, regardless of their background.
On the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed stated that racism, along with its associated biases, hatred, and contempt for religions, continues to be prevalent worldwide.
He expressed deep concern about the increasing presence of this abhorrent scourge, which is particularly directed towards refugees and ethnicities.
These actions are no longer isolated incidents but have evolved into a systemic justification for violence and hostility against others, he said.
The chairman cautioned about the devastating consequences stemming from the proliferation of racism. He highlighted its detrimental impact on peace, stability, and essential human values by depriving large segments of society of their fundamental rights. He emphasised that racism exacerbates tensions and conflicts, and fuels violence that can escalate to genocide.
Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed highlighted Bahrain’s dedication to upholding human rights, promoting equality and non-discrimination as per international conventions, in addition to the set up of a comprehensive national system of legislation and laws, that included the establishment of a committee to combat hatred and sectarianism.
He lauded the efforts of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister in advancing institutional work through promoting fairness, fostering a culture of tolerance and respect, and combating all forms of intolerance.
The chairman urged the international community to implement a wider range of inclusive and thorough measures to foster closer ties between nations and cultures, and to combat the proliferation of racism. Emphasising the significance of peacemaking, he highlighted its role in creating a better, safer world.
Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed said that the King Hamad Global Center for Peaceful Coexistence prioritises the call of HM the King to endorse an international agreement criminalising religious, sectarian, and racist hate speech in all its forms. This initiative aims to address the root causes of discord.
He noted that the centre’s primary mission was focused on eliminating cognitive ignorance, confronting hatred with peace, and combating intolerance with tolerance.
