Manama: Dr. Ali bin Fadhel Al Buainain, the Attorney General, inaugurated a specialised training programme organised by the Special Investigation Unit at the Judicial and Legal Studies Institute. The opening session was attended by Nawaf bin Mohammed Al Ma'awda, Minister of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments, and Osama bin Saleh Al Alawi, Minister of Social Development, along with representatives from national bodies involved in criminal justice and law enforcement, civil society organisations, and healthcare professionals.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Dr. Al Buainain highlighted Bahrain's robust framework for human rights protection through legal safeguards and specialised institutions. He stressed the importance of training and professional development to strengthen justice and the rule of law, noting the critical role of high-quality documentation and technical procedures in ensuring the integrity of investigative outcomes.
Dr. Al Buainain elaborated that the programme would focus on practical aspects such as case studies, professional knowledge exchange, and best practices in investigation procedures. These efforts are based on the Istanbul Protocol, which serves as the internationally recognised guide for effective investigation and documentation.
Dr. Mariam Athbi Al Jalahma, CEO of Government Hospitals, underscored the dual professional and human rights necessity of building national capacity in investigation and documentation. She highlighted the healthcare sector's crucial role in medical and psychological assessment, which contributes to generating accurate reports that bolster investigations and support justice.
Mohammed Khalid Al Hazza, Acting Advocate General and Chief of the Special Investigation Unit, stated that the programme is part of ongoing training initiatives aimed at enhancing institutional performance and developing professional expertise. He emphasized that the quality of investigations relies on accurate medical and psychological assessments, technical documentation, and effective coordination.
Al Hazza noted that the three-day programme will feature experienced national specialists covering all stages of investigation and documentation. This includes legal safeguards, evidence gathering, investigative procedures, and the role of medical and psychological specialists.
Ambassador Nawar Abdullah Al Mutawa, a member of the Arab Charter on Human Rights Committee, praised the programme as a reflection of Bahrain's commitment to aligning national capabilities with international standards. He commended the Special Investigation Unit's role in enhancing professional competencies and improving quality in investigative and human rights domains.
The programme aims to deepen understanding of international standards, strengthen professional skills in investigation and documentation, enhance cooperation between national bodies, support preventive measures and legal safeguards, and improve the quality of investigations and complaint-handling procedures.