Bahrain’s commitment to protecting migrant rights was recently highlighted by Dalal Jassim Al Zayed, Chairperson of the Legislative and Legal Affairs Committee in the Shura Council. Al Zayed participated in a video conference organized by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in collaboration with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. The conference aimed to address the challenges faced by migrants globally, including rising levels of hatred and discrimination.
During the conference, Al Zayed reaffirmed Bahrain’s dedication to promoting peaceful coexistence and combating hatred under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. She emphasized the importance of international treaties and laws in strengthening Bahrain’s global standing while supporting initiatives that foster peace, coexistence, and mutual respect within legal frameworks.
Al Zayed highlighted Bahrain’s efforts to support countries hosting migrants through international cooperation and humanitarian assistance guided by the principles of international humanitarian law. She also noted that Bahrain’s welcoming environment and commitment to protecting the rights of migrant workers have contributed to its recognition as one of the best destinations for expatriates.
In addition, Al Zayed emphasized the importance of legislative frameworks in supporting migrant and refugee rights and advocated for amending existing laws to enhance protection for vulnerable groups. She stressed the need for international cooperation in combating xenophobia and promoting migrant-friendly policies to reduce racism and raise awareness of human rights.
The meeting brought together parliamentary experts to discuss legal protections for migrants’ human rights and explore the adoption of formal guidelines by the UN Committee on the Protection of Migrant Workers and the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Participants highlighted the role of legislators in overcoming challenges related to xenophobia and migrant rights, in partnership with the UN and other stakeholders.
Overall, the conference concluded with discussions on best practices and recommendations aimed at protecting the rights of migrants and foreigners, which will be jointly adopted by the UN Committees on Migrant Workers and the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. This event underscored the importance of international cooperation and legislative support in safeguarding the rights of migrants and combating discrimination worldwide.
