On the occasion of the "International Children's Day" .. MLSD Minister: Bahrain is keen on safeguarding children's rights and developing their capabilities
19-11-2020
His Excellency Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour and Social Development, stressed that the Kingdom of Bahrain joins the world in celebrating Universal Children’s Day on 20 November each year, with the aim of promoting international cooperation, raising awareness of children’s rights and protection, and improving child welfare. This day coincides with the date on which the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child in 1959 and the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1989. It is an opportunity to emphasise the importance of continuing efforts to protect children’s rights and support families in fulfilling their duties in raising and educating their children by promoting positive child‑rearing practices for Bahraini children and strengthening positive interaction among family members. On this occasion, Humaidan stressed that Bahrain is among the leading countries that provide childhood care and protection and offer diverse opportunities for progress and participation. He noted that the child is the foundation of society and the pillar of its future; if the child’s upbringing is sound, the entire society will be sound. Accordingly, Bahrain has embedded core objectives across governmental, private and civil‑society organisations beneath a comprehensive legislative umbrella that guarantees every child the rights to education, health, social care and protection from abuse or exploitation, together with all that ensures a decent life. Foremost among these measures is Royal Decree No. (37) of 2012 concerning the Promulgation of the Child Law, which constituted a qualitative leap in strengthening childhood protection and development efforts in the Kingdom. Humaidan said that Bahrain presents a unique model in supporting children, preparing future leaders and creating all the conditions necessary to raise a generation capable of advancing Bahrain’s future with competence and proficiency. This stems from the foundations of the comprehensive development process of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the country's great King, may God protect and preserve him, to advance and develop the nation in all its regions and components, especially with regard to children. Interest in childhood has been enhanced at legal, social, educational and cultural levels, providing a safe environment for developing children’s capabilities and creating a society in which children enjoy a dignified, sustainable life that guarantees their active participation on the basis of equality and respect. He noted that the issuance of the Child Law was a pioneering initiative by the esteemed Cabinet, under the guidance and special attention of the late Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, who was keen to ensure that children enjoyed all their rights. Children have also received the utmost attention and support from His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and Prime Minister, may God protect him. The Child Protection Law has reinforced the importance and role of the Child Protection Centre, one of a series of projects adopted by the Ministry of Labour and Social Development since its inception in 2007. The Centre provides legal, social, psychological, health and educational services to children in cooperation with the relevant authorities, and operates a child support and relief telephone line, 998, to receive reports of any child subjected to abuse, physical or psychological harm, neglect or sexual assault. These reports are handled as required, and guidance and referral services are provided to the relevant authorities if necessary, as part of continuous efforts to protect children from violence. In the same context, His Excellency affirmed Bahrain’s keenness to join international agreements and memoranda of understanding on protecting and preserving children’s rights, most notably the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which the Kingdom ratified in 1992. A national committee has also been charged with elevating Bahraini childhood—the National Commission for Childhood, composed of representatives from ministries, official institutions and civil-society organisations concerned with childhood. In addition, the National Strategy for Childhood and its executive programme for 2012‑2018 were launched, 79 % of which have been implemented; the period was then extended to 2023 to complete the remaining programmes and plans aimed at raising the level of childhood protection, care and development in Bahrain. His Excellency pointed to the international praise Bahrain received for its children’s rights record following the 80th session of the Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC) in January 2019, during which Bahrain’s comprehensive report on children’s rights was reviewed and discussed. He stressed that the Committee’s commendation of Bahrain’s legislative, executive and human‑rights measures has strengthened the Kingdom’s standing among nations committed to preserving human rights—and children’s rights in particular.