Brussels: MP Mohamed Yousif Al Maarafi participated in the third Bahrain-EU Conference on Freedom of Religion and Belief in Brussels, held from October 28-29. The event was organised by the King Hamad Global Center for Coexistence and Tolerance in cooperation with the European Union.
According to Bahrain News Agency, MP Al Maarafi emphasized the Council of Representatives' commitment to involving both government and civil institutions to promote tolerance, moderation, coexistence, and peace. He highlighted legislative initiatives, national programs, and policy development as key efforts in enhancing Bahrain's approach to dialogue and understanding, guided by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.
He praised His Majesty the King's initiative during the Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly in Bahrain, which called for an international convention to criminalize hate speech based on religion, sect, or race. This initiative aims to foster a global culture of peace, promote mutual understanding among nations, and incorporate these values into education, culture, and sports.
MP Al Maarafi reiterated that peace and coexistence are central to Bahrain's national identity, as outlined in the National Action Charter and the Constitution. He emphasized the unified commitment of Bahrain's legislative and executive branches to promote initiatives positioning dialogue and diplomacy as solutions to regional and international challenges.
The conference addressed various topics, including defining a "religion-friendly society," with insights from Bahrain and the EU, education and awareness, cultural diplomacy, the intersection of freedom of religion and artificial intelligence, and strategies for countering hate speech and hate crimes. Additionally, tools for protecting freedom of religion and belief in diverse societies were discussed.