Bahrain sets up human rights commission

Manama: A national human rights commission to promote and protect the rights of all people in Bahrain has been formed.

It will also be actively engaged in capacity building of human rights issues among government and civil institutions and in supporting a human rights-based approach to development.

The commission, established under a royal order announced on Wednesday, will have 20 members, a president and two vice presidents. The members will be chosen from consultative, academic and civil society organizations for renewable four year terms and women will have a fair representation, the order said.

The commission will draw up an integrated strategy to promote and protect human rights in Bahrain and issue recommendations on legislation related to human rights in line with Bahrain's international commitments.

Other responsibilities for the rights advocacy commission include offering opinions on issues submitted by competent parties, receiving human rights-related complaints and grievances and coordinating with national and international organizations to achieve its objectives.

According to the order, the commission will work with the state agencies to draft Bahrain's rights reports, hold conferences and workshops, develop the country's efforts to promote human rights, contribute to training people in public freedoms and human rights institutions and issue publications and reports related to its objectives.

The commission will be funded by allocations from the state budget and by donations and financial assistance in line with the relevant regulations.

Its members will convene at least once a month and will submit a report on its activities and recommendations to the king.