The Human Rights Committee held a meeting on Wednesday 5.12.2001, chaired by Khalid Hussain Al Maskati, Second Deputy Chairman of the Consultative Council  and Chairman of the Committee.

Following the meeting, the Chairman issued the following statement:

The Committee held its weekly meeting to continue discussion of its modus operandi during the Consultative Council’s current term. The Committee emphasized the need to activate and enhance the prerogatives and powers entrusted to it by virtue of the Amiri Order forming the Committee, particularly in the areas of the study of legislation in relation to issues which are falling under human rights and recommending the amendments it deems necessary in this respect, following  up  human rights issue and protecting them and proposing suitable solutions.

In this framework, the Committee members proposed a number of legislation for study, and later discussed the grievances and complaints received by it related to its powers and accordingly decided to approach the concerned authorities in order to formulate a clear visualization.

Chaired by Khalid Hussain Al Maskati, the Human Rights Committee of the Consultative Council held a meeting at its office in the Consultative Council with Amnesty International’s delegation.

At the outset of the meeting, the Chairman of the Committee welcomed the Amnesty International’s delegation consisting of Dr. Abdul Muta’al Qurshab and Dr. Saeed Bumdooha. He expressed his pleasure and the pleasure of the Committee members over their meeting with the delegation.

Later, Khalid Al Maskati outlined the procedures followed by the Committee in dealing with issues related to human rights in Bahrain Kingdom in accordance with the powers and prerogatives entrusted to it in the Amiri Order establishing it and in accordance with the rules laid down by the Committee in its Bye-Laws. He reviewed the amendments proposed by the Committee to some legislation related to women’s rights in co-operation with the concerned competent authorities as part of the mounting awareness of human rights. He praised the competent authorities for their co-operation with the Committee out of their conviction of the need to protect human rights.

Later, the members of the visiting delegation expressed their pleasure and happiness over visiting Bahrain Kingdom and over their meetings with the concerned parties and societies, and for what they have seen in Bahrain Kingdom which shows a growing respect and protection of human rights. Then they asked a few questions about matters related to human rights.

Following the meeting, the members of the Committee praised the keenness of the country’s judicious leadership, led by H.H the Amir, to respect and protect human rights, enumerating the kind Amiri gestures and initiatives made in this respect, which would alleviate the burden of citizens. They also praised the legislative reform which has been made so far, beginning with the abolition of the Kingdom Security Law and Courts, and ending with the establishment of the Supreme Judiciary Council, Public Prosecution and amendments to the laws related to the rights and duties of citizens, such as the Law of Criminal Procedures, which would ultimately lead to independence of the judiciary and an increase in the guarantees and rights of citizens.

At the end of the meeting, the members of the visiting delegation thanked the Committee for the warm welcome they have received and for the encouraging news they heard about the developments taking place in Bahrain Kingdom, which would enhance human rights in the country. On his part, the Chairman of the Committee wished the visiting delegation a good stay in Bahrain Kingdom, and expressed his hope that the Organization will continue its contacts with the Committee in all areas related to human rights.