UN human rights team to visit Bahrain

MANAMA: A UN human rights delegation will visit Bahrain early next month.

The visit from December 2 to 6 by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights team is at the invitation of the government and reflects the transparency of Bahrain's leadership in dealing with human rights, Minister of State for Human Rights Affairs Dr Salah Ali said yesterday.

The team will meet senior officials, non-governmental organisations and the National Human Rights Organisation to discuss co-operation.

He stressed Bahrain's open-door policy and welcomed all UN agencies and watchdogs to visit the kingdom to keep abreast of its human rights achievements.

He also outlined Bahrain's bold initiatives, citing particularly the formation of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry and the establishment of a special committee to oversee implementation of its recommendations. Another committee is following up on the recommendations of the National Dialogue.

He praised UN agencies for sharing their expertise in promoting human rights.

(2012-11-24/gulf)