26 Jan 2012 GDN
MORE recommendations of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry (BICI) have been backed by a National Commission established to follow up their implementation - which expects more private sector workers to be reinstated soon.
They include setting up a national reconciliation programme, expanding public order training for security forces and taking steps to encourage the private sector to reinstate more staff sacked in connection with last year's unrest.
The commission praised the setting up of a National Compensation Fund for victims of the unrest and families of the deceased.
National Commission and Shura Council chairman Ali Saleh Al Saleh said it was an important step towards national reconciliation and to maintain public security. He was speaking during a commission meeting last night.
He ordered the National Reconciliation Team to come up with suggestions to expedite payouts to all those affected in accordance with the decree-by-law which set up the fund.
He said this issue had been given priority by the government to restore national unity and civil peace.
The commission now plans to communicate to the government the need to develop a national reconciliation programme to address the grievances of groups who believe they are deprived of equality in political, social and economic rights.
"This will ensure benefits to all people throughout Bahrain's civic society," said Mr Al Saleh.
"International experts will be enlisted to ensure swift progress is made according to international human rights standards."
Mr Al Saleh said the government had responded well in providing the commission with all draft laws that would be introduced to implement recommendations.
The commission reviewed government progress on implementing other BICI recommendations that include an expanded training programme on the rules of public order for Public Security forces, national security and BDF personnel as well as those of private security companies.
"The government has embarked on a comprehensive training programme for the National Security Agency, beginning this week," said Mr Al Saleh.
"The training curriculum will include lectures on the fundamentals of human rights, professional codes of conduct and how to interact better with the community.
Progress
"The government has also detailed significant progress made on consultations with the private sector on reinstating remaining dismissed workers. Further announcements on reinstatements are expected shortly."
Mr Al Saleh also praised Bahrain's judiciary which enjoys full independence, integrity and impartiality of its court system.
A number of commission members also met French media experts currently visiting Bahrain as part of the government's efforts to implement BICI recommendations on raising media standards.
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National Commission