Geneva: Dalal Jassim Al Zayed, Shura Council Member, showcased Bahrain's approach to criminal justice reform during a session of the Inter-Parliamentary Union's Committee to Promote Respect for International Humanitarian Law, held as part of the 151st IPU General Assembly in Geneva.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Al Zayed highlighted Bahrain's successful implementation of the Alternative Sentencing Law and the Open Prisons Programme. She said that these initiatives reflect the forward-looking vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to promote rehabilitation and reintegration within a framework of justice and human rights, supported by the government under the leadership of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
Al Zayed noted that Bahrain's reforms have positioned it as a regional model in balancing deterrence with rehabilitation, transforming its justice system to emphasize dignity, reform, and social cohesion. Since 2018, thousands of individuals have benefited from alternative sentencing measures, with a compliance rate exceeding 97% under the Open Prisons Programme, a clear indication of its success in reducing reoffending and supporting reintegration.
She also pointed out that Bahrain's open prison facilities have earned international accreditation from the American Correctional Association (ACA), underscoring global recognition of the Kingdom's commitment to international human rights and modern correctional standards.
Al Zayed urged parliamentarians worldwide to adopt approaches that view justice as a pathway to reform and rehabilitation rather than solely a means of punishment.