Manama,
Ghada Hamid Habib, the Ombudswoman, affirmed that the National Action Charter (NAC) was a pivotal moment in the history of the Kingdom of Bahrain that has led to significant turning points.
The NAC has created high potential for comprehensive development across all dimensions, especially political participation, democratic practice, upholding human rights, and strengthening the state of law and institutions, she added.
On the 23rd anniversary of the NAC, Habib expressed pride in Bahrain’s achievements in various fields and in the progress the kingdom has made in human rights on regional and international scales.
In a statement to Bahrain News Agency (BNA), the Ombudswoman said that the NAC, which was the culmination of the reforms led by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, it has contributed to driving efforts to consolidate the status of human rights in Bahrain through the establishment of independent institutions and agencies to ensure compliance with human rights principles.
These include the General Secretariat of the Ombudsman at the Ministry of Interior and the Prisoners and Detainees Rights Commission (PDRC).
The establishment of independent national institutions complements the work of criminal justice institutions to consolidate the rule of law and ensure accountability, in line with international best practices, Habib added.
The Ombudswoman highlighted the role of the ombuds office in investigating complaints; monitoring correction and rehabilitation centers and places of pretrial detention; and collaborating with other parties to develop recommendations that promote the status of human rights.
It issues periodic inspection reports, which are addressed by the Ministry of Interior and adopted in ongoing development programmes in public security sectors, including correction and rehabilitation centers and human cadre training.
The ombuds office strong collabiration with various national institutions and agencies, including the Public Prosecution, Special Investigation Unit (SIU), National Institution for Human Rights, and the National Authority for Regulating Professions and Health Services.
It signed agreements with various institutions to facilitate cooperation, coordination, and information exchange, Habib said.
The Ombudswoman, who is also the chairperson of the Chairperson of the Prisoners and Detainees Rights Commission (PDRC), said the establishment of the commission was also one of the leading steps taken by Bahrain to uphold human rights.
The PDRC, established in February 2014, was the first of its kind in the region.
It has conducted 26 announced and unannounced inspection visits, covering reform and rehabilitation centers, pretrial detention, detention, deportation, hospitals, and care homes, after which it presents recommendations and proposals to relevant authorities.
The Ombudswoman indicated that the commission has addressed various aspects, including the condition of the visited facilities, methods for ensuring human and legal rights are upheld, healthcare recommendations, and recommendations for education, training, and rehabilitation programs,
She said that the Ministry of the Interior and other entities have responded positively to feedback from the PDRC and are working on implementing several recommendations from the commission regarding geducation, health, police training, and a written complaint system.
These recommendations vary depending on the nature and role of correctional and rehabilitation centers, pretrial detention, deportation centers, and social care centres, she explained.
