Geneva: Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs, attended via video conference the opening of the current session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. The session included the participation of Ant³nio Guterres, Secretary General of the United Nations, and Volker Trk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Dr. Al Zayani underscored the Kingdom of Bahrain's advancements in upholding human rights and fundamental freedoms, emphasizing the vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the ongoing efforts of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. He highlighted Bahrain's initiatives such as adopting alternative sanctions and measures aimed at reforming individuals rather than merely punishing them. The open prisons programme, which focuses on rehabilitating offenders and reintegrating them into society, was also mentioned as a key initiative.
Dr. Al Zayani noted significant amendments to the Press, Printing and Publishing Law, which abolished prison sentences for journalists in publication cases and regulated digital media, thereby ensuring legal protection for journalists and promoting responsible press freedom. He reiterated Bahrain's dedication to tolerance, coexistence, and human solidarity as core elements of its foreign policy, expressing pride in the UN General Assembly's adoption of Bahrain's initiative to mark January 28 as the International Day of Peaceful Coexistence.
The Foreign Minister also highlighted Bahrain's recognition in the Guinness World Records for its high density of places of worship for different religions, reflecting the country's commitment to freedom of belief. He reaffirmed Bahrain's commitment to diplomacy, peaceful conflict resolution, and its support for the Palestinian cause, including the implementation of the peace plan for Gaza proposed by Donald Trump, the former President of the United States.
Dr. Al Zayani concluded by stating that Bahrain's election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for 2026-2027 is a testament to its strong partnership with the UN and its commitment to international principles. He outlined the Kingdom's priorities during its term on the Security Council, which include upholding international law, promoting dialogue, fostering a culture of coexistence, and engaging in humanitarian efforts to enhance regional and global peace and stability.