Manama: Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of the Royal Court, chaired the second meeting of the Committee for the Selection of Members of the Board of Commissioners of the National Institution for Human Rights (NIHR).
According to Bahrain News Agency, Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed praised the significant interest shown by citizens in applying for membership on the NIHR Board of Commissioners. He highlighted that the applicants' commitment to human rights and representation of various societal segments demonstrates a genuine desire to support and advance human rights in Bahrain. This initiative aligns with the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Majesty's commitment to upholding human rights, promoting humanity, justice, unity, and peace, and ensuring Bahrain's full adherence to international laws and agreements.
Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed assured that the committee maintained the highest standards of transparency while reviewing and categorizing all applications, ensuring they met the required qualifications and standards for candidacy. This was done in accordance with the conditions and criteria for the establishment of the NIHR, adhering to Royal Order (17) of 2017 concerning the provisions for appointing members of the Board of Commissioners.
The selection process also aligned with the Paris Principles regarding the status of national institutions for the promotion and protection of human rights, as endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly Resolution (48/134) on December 20, 1993. Additionally, the process considered the general comments issued by the Sub-Committee on Accreditation within the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI), which serve as authoritative interpretative references for the Paris Principles.
Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed mentioned that the final list of proposed candidates for the Board of Commissioners will be forwarded to His Majesty the King, who will issue the Order appointing the Board members of the National Institution for Human Rights for the term 2025-2029.