Manama: Ali Ahmed Al Derazi, Chairman of the National Institution for Human Rights (NIHR), underscored the importance of the topics addressed during the annual meeting held by General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of Interior, with heads and officials of maatams across the Kingdom's governorates regarding preparations for the Ashoora season. He emphasized the commitment to strengthening dialogue and community coordination to ensure appropriate conditions for the observance of religious rituals within a framework of security, public order, and respect for the law.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Al Derazi noted that freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, including the freedom to practice and manifest religious rituals, is among the fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed under the Constitution of the Kingdom of Bahrain and relevant international human rights conventions. He highlighted the NIHR's monitoring activities, which have shown continued facilitation of religious practices and commemorations for citizens and residents, as well as inmates in reform and rehabilitation centres and places of detention, within the framework of established legal guarantees and applicable regulations.
Al Derazi stated that the NIHR views positively the emphasis on protecting the legally guaranteed right to practice religious rituals in a manner consistent with maintaining community security, civil peace, and respect for the rule of law. He stressed the importance of continued cooperation and coordination among official entities, civil society organizations, and those responsible for maatams and religious events, contributing to the success of the Ashoora season and strengthening social cohesion.
He affirmed that the NIHR will continue, within its legal mandate, to monitor the human rights situation and assess the enjoyment of rights and freedoms guaranteed to all, including the right to practice religious rituals, in accordance with the Constitution, national legislation, and relevant international standards.