In implementation of Article 22 of the Children’s Restorative Justice Law ..MLSD Minister Reviews the Final Preparations for child abused Shelter

17-08-2021

On Tuesday, His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development, Chairman of the National Commission for Childhood, Mr Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, conducted an inspection visit to the Batelco Child Care Home in Seef and the Child Protection Centre in Gudaibiya, both affiliated with the Ministry of Labour and Social Development. He was accompanied by a number of ministry officials to verify the final preparations for the commencement of operations at the shelter for abused children and to ensure the provision of the highest‑quality services therein. The shelter will subsequently be relocated to the Social Care Complex in Hamad Town following completion of construction. Humaidan affirmed that this step forms part of close cooperation and integration with other government entities, including the Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Waqf, the Ministry of Interior, and the Public Prosecution, in implementation of Law No. (4) of 2021 Promulgating the Restorative Justice Law for Children and their Protection from Maltreatment, and in particular Article (22) of its Executive Regulations, which takes effect on 18 August. That Article provides that “The Restorative Justice Court for the Child or the Judicial Committee for Childhood may place the child in a social welfare institution or societies of the ministry concerned with Social Development or these institutions approved by the Court or the Committee”, so that the best interests of the child take priority in all rulings, decisions, and procedures, regardless of the issuing or implementing authority. In this context, His Excellency stated that commencing implementation of the law will further consolidate the Kingdom of Bahrain’s regional and international standing in the protection of human rights, within the comprehensive development process of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the country's great King, may God protect and preserve him, and under the continued support and diligent follow‑up of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to complete, promulgate, and operationalise this law in a manner that promotes the interests of the child and guarantees the right to live in peace. Humaidan explained that the Ministry of Labour and Social Development has worked to implement Article (43) of Law No. (37) of 2012 with respect to the Promulgation of the Child Law, including the establishment in 2007 of the Child Protection Centre affiliated with the Ministry. The Centre incorporates branch offices of the Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Waqf, the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education, and the Public Prosecution, and operates effectively under the powers granted by law. It serves as the central body for child protection, mandated to assess and follow up on cases involving abuse, physical and psychological harm, neglect, and sexual assault. He added that the Child Rescue and Support Line 998 was launched in 2011 to provide guidance, active listening, and referral to the relevant authorities when necessary. The Kingdom of Bahrain remains a pioneer in codifying children’s rights through numerous decree‑laws and by acceding to international instruments safeguarding children’s rights, most notably the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, ratified by the Kingdom in 1992. The Kingdom has also concluded cooperation agreements and memoranda of understanding with international organisations and their specialised committees concerned with children.