Manama:Hala Ramzy Fayez, a member of the Shura Council and Deputy Head of Bahrain's Parliamentary Division delegation, participated in a meeting of the Bureau of the Standing Committee on Democracy and Human Rights during the 153rd Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) General Assembly in Tanzania.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the committee's Bureau appointed Fayez as rapporteur for a draft resolution to be presented at the 154th IPU General Assembly. This resolution will address the role of parliaments in safeguarding civilians and critical infrastructure during armed conflicts and insecure periods, with a focus on deterrence, accountability, and reparations.
During the meeting, Fayez underscored that protecting civilians involves not only preventing attacks but also ensuring the conditions necessary for them to live with dignity and exercise their fundamental rights. She pointed out that the destruction of healthcare facilities, disruption of water and electricity supplies, and the cessation of transport and education services can have lasting impacts on human rights long after conflicts have ended.
Fayez highlighted the legislative, oversight, budgetary, and diplomatic roles parliaments play in civilian protection. She noted that these powers can help create national frameworks to enhance compliance with international humanitarian law, support accountability mechanisms, and provide protection and resources for those affected.
She also stressed the importance of effective deterrence, which should start with clear legislation and policies to ensure respect for civilian protection rules. Justice, she emphasized, requires reparations and rehabilitation, with a focus on vulnerable groups, especially children and people with disabilities.
Fayez emphasized that the draft resolution aims to strengthen the implementation of existing international obligations and help parliaments translate international humanitarian law and human rights principles into tangible protection measures.
Moreover, she highlighted the significance of promoting cooperation, exchanging legislative expertise, and sharing best practices among parliaments to prevent violations and address their consequences.
She called for the adoption of the draft resolution through a practical approach that enables parliaments to actively participate in prevention, deterrence, and redress, while reinforcing respect for international humanitarian law in all circumstances.