The National Commission assigned to Follow-up the BICI Recommendations

عربي

Progress & Actions Taken

1725 (b) - In general, the Commission recommends to the GoB the development of a national reconciliation programme that addresses the grievances of groups which are, or perceive themselves, to be deprived of equal political, social and economic rights and benefits across all segments of Bahrain‘s population.

Progress & Actions

Government Response

The Ministry of Human Rights and Social Development has set the national plan for the social and economic reconciliation. The most important points are:

Forming a committee from the various ministries to oversee the initiatives of the plan.
Providing $500,000 for civil society organisations that contribute to programmes of social reconciliation.
As a result of a recommendation from the World Bank, amending remittances to focus on families due to increase of social impact.
Initiatives for other social reconciliation, which were launched by the ministry, such as the One by One campaign.

A 4-stage campaign which includes social, cultural, and psychological activities which aim to expand the participation among Bahraini society members.

Resolutions of the National Commission

The National Commission referred the proposal made by Commission member Mr. Fareed Ghazi to the National Reconciliation Team for review. The proposal included the organization of a national reconciliation conference.

Approval of the following item:
To develop a national reconciliation programme addressing political, social and economic aspects, and to enlist the aid of international experts in this field taking into consideration the principles of human rights and constitutional principles.

Government Response

A copy was attached about the steps that the Government of Bahrain and its various bodies have taken to implement the recommendation which also responds to other recommendations and inquiries:

1- The national plan for social and economic reconciliation which is prepared by the Ministry of Human Rights and Social Development.

2- The Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Ministry of Education and the International Commission on Education, a unit of UNESCO, which responds to the recommendation No. 1725, paragraph (a) as well.

3- Media reform plan prepared by the Commission of Public Information, which responds to the recommendation No. 1724, paragraphs (a), (b), and (c) as well.

The initiative of civil settlement undertaken by the Ministry of Justice and Islamic Affairs and Endowments, which respond to the recommendation No. 1722 paragraphs (j) and (k) as well.

Government Response

The Commission received a letter from the Minister of Human Rights and Social Development stating that Mr. Mark Muller of InterMediate, United Kingdom would like to meet with H.E. Commission Chairman and Commission members during his visit to Bahrain from 1 to 3 February, to facilitate the opening of dialogue and reconciliation in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

The meeting was held on 2 February 2012 and attended by Dr. Abdulaziz Abel, Mr. Ahmed Abdulrahman Al Saati, Dr. Isam Abdullah Fakhro, and Mr. Fareed Ghazi Jassim. It was also attended by Mr. Mark Muller and a number of his delegation members. Talks focused on what the visiting delegation could provide in terms of experience with national reconciliation in other countries.

The delegation overviewed the national reconciliation experience in South Africa, the agreement reached, and the basis of that reconciliation. The delegation also presented their experiences which were found to be suitable or not suitable for Bahrain or South Africa in this field.

Relevant Legislation / Documents

Most Recent Actions Taken