Bahraini Foreign Minister: Safeguarding human freedom and dignity is a principle that unites us despite cultural and religious differences

Manama, Oct 12 (KUNA) -- Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani affirmed today that the Kingdom of Bahrain respects the principle of safeguarding and upholding human freedom. Al Zayani, who chairs Bahrain’s Committee for International Human Rights Affairs, made this statement in his opening address at the governmental forum on combating human trafficking in the Middle East region and its accompanying exhibition, “Insan,” under the patronage of Bahrain’s Labour Market Regulatory Authority and in coordination with the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking.

In his speech, Al Zayani said, “Safeguarding human freedom and dignity is a principle that unites us, regardless of our differing cultures and beliefs. From this podium, I affirm that this principle has deep roots in the Kingdom of Bahrain, embedded in the values, customs, and traditions of its society, which reinforce respect for every human being and the fair treatment of all who live on this earth.” He added that these values found early expression in the 1937 declaration banning slavery and criminalizing the sale and purchase of persons, issued during the reign of Sheikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, then-ruler of Bahrain.

The Bahraini Foreign Minister noted that, under the royal vision and through the efforts of the Bahraini government, a national system to combat human trafficking has evolved, integrating prevention, protection, and accountability. Protection institutions work alongside security and judicial authorities to care for victims and enable their access to justice.

He praised the sustained efforts of the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Labour, and the Public Prosecution, as well as their active role in combating human trafficking crimes and providing protection and care to victims. Al Zayani emphasized the importance of the forum in building trust “among relevant authorities in our countries and transforming exchanged expertise into cooperation that responds to human needs.” He reaffirmed his country’s commitment to continuing this cooperation, believing that safeguarding human dignity is a solid foundation for partnership among states.

He expressed hope that the forum’s discussions “will strengthen our partnerships and enhance our capacity for early risk identification, developing more effective and sustainable responses that positively impact the people we have gathered here to protect.”

The forum, which concludes on Wednesday, brings together delegations from the national committees to combat human trafficking in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, Egypt, and Jordan, alongside representatives of relevant United Nations organizations. Kuwait’s Standing National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling participated, led by a delegation headed by Nouf Al Qubaindi, Acting Deputy Minister of Justice for Technical and Administrative Affairs. (End) K.N.A./S.A.M.