Manama: Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs, praised the Kingdom's comprehensive legislative and democratic framework, which safeguards and promotes human rights, fundamental freedoms, and human dignity under the wise leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the guidance of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
According to Bahrain News Agency, marking the International Day of Parliamentarism, observed this year under the theme "The Future of Human Rights is Written in Parliament," Dr. Al Zayani commended Bahrain's parliamentary achievements in advancing legislation and policies that strengthen civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights, in line with the Government Plan, the National Human Rights Plan, and the Kingdom's international commitments.
The Foreign Minister highlighted Bahrain's landmark legislative reforms, including laws on alternative sentencing and measures, the Open Prisons Programme, restorative justice for children, combating human trafficking, protecting the rights of women and families, and regulating the press and electronic media. He said these reforms have reinforced human rights, equality, justice, transparency, accountability, and the rule of law within Bahrain's constitutional framework.
Dr. Al Zayani noted that these legislative achievements have supported Bahrain's development, expanded the participation of women and youth, and promoted the values of citizenship, tolerance, and coexistence. He also praised the contributions of national institutions, including the Supreme Council for Women, the National Institution for Human Rights, the Ombudsman, the Prisoners and Detainees Rights Commission, the Special Investigation Unit, the Bahrain Institute for Political Development, the King Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Coexistence, alongside civil society and media institutions.
The Minister reaffirmed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' commitment to strengthening parliamentary diplomacy as a key pillar in promoting peace, dialogue, and mutual understanding. In this regard, he highlighted Bahrain's election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2026-2027 term, its active role in international parliamentary and diplomatic forums, the successful hosting of the 146th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union in 2023, and His Majesty the King's call for an international convention criminalising religious, sectarian, and racial hate speech and preventing the misuse of media and digital platforms to incite intolerance, extremism, and terrorism.
On this occasion, Dr. Al Zayani also expressed Bahrain's appreciation for the principled positions taken by the parliaments of many brotherly and friendly countries, as well as regional and international parliamentary organizations, in condemning the recent Iranian attacks against Bahrain and countries in the region. He said such attacks constitute clear violations of international law and relevant international obligations, stressing the importance of respecting state sovereignty, refraining from the use or threat of force, safeguarding freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and other vital waterways, and strengthening cooperation based on mutual trust and respect to advance regional and global peace, security, and sustainable development.
In conclusion, the Foreign Minister reaffirmed Bahrain's commitment, under the leadership of His Majesty the King and the Government led by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to strengthening international partnerships and parliamentary diplomacy in support of democracy, the rule of law, human rights, and lasting regional and international peace and stability.