His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa recently issued Edict (42) of 2024, which restructures the National Human Rights Committee in Bahrain. The restructuring was based on a proposal by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and approved by the Cabinet. The committee will now be chaired by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and will include various members from different governmental departments such as the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Education, and others.
The restructured National Human Rights Committee will have a diverse membership including representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Social Development, National Communication Centre, and other relevant government bodies. The term for each member on the committee will be three years, with the possibility of renewal for additional periods. The main goal of the committee is to address and protect human rights issues within the country.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs will be responsible for implementing the provisions of the Edict, which will come into effect as soon as it is issued and published in the Official Gazette. The restructuring of the National Human Rights Committee aligns with Bahrain’s commitment to upholding human rights and ensuring the protection of its citizens. The diverse composition of the committee reflects the government’s dedication to addressing human rights issues from various perspectives.
Overall, the restructuring of the National Human Rights Committee in Bahrain signifies a step towards enhancing the protection and promotion of human rights within the country. The diverse membership of the committee from different government departments ensures a comprehensive approach towards addressing human rights issues. With the guidance of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the committee is well-positioned to effectively fulfill its mandate of safeguarding human rights and promoting social justice in Bahrain.