Ghada Hameed Habib, the Ombudswoman and Chairperson of the Prisoners and Detainees Rights Commission (PDRC) affirmed that Bahrain’s approach to upholding human rights is a unique and exemplary model in the region, as it expresses a solid and sustainable strategy that derives its objectives from the comprehensive development process of His Majesty the King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa with the follow-up of His Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
The strategy has led to the establishment of independent national institutions and agencies that serve within the criminal justice framework, focusing on specific roles and tasks such as the Ombudswoman office and the PDRC, she said.
These institutions have achieved remarkable successes, despite the brief period since that have started operations, she adding, noting that their cooperation with other ministries, particularly the Interior Ministry, under the directives of General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Interior Minister, has added to their experience and impact of their work.
She noted that the Interior Ministry has implemented significant human rights milestones, including the development of reform and rehabilitation centers for inmates and pretrial detention measures in line with international standards.
The Ombudswoman said the Interior Ministry has effectively worked on the implementation of the alternative penalties programme and open prisons programme, which are comparable to leading international examples in this field.
The Reformation and Rehabilitation Directorate has obtained international accreditation from the American Correctional Association (ACA), demonstrating its commitment to achieving international quality standards, she added.
The Ombudswoman affirmed that the independent national institutions are keen on aligning with the goals and objectives of the National Human Rights Plan 2022-2026 to mirror the progress that Bahrain is experiencing in various fields, including the areas of criminal justice and the measures taken to enhance human rights in its various institutions.
Source: Bahrain News Agency