Geneva, Osama bin Ahmed Khalaf Al Asfoor, Minister of Social Development, headed Bahrain’s delegation in the interactive dialogue session at the Palais des Nations in Geneva.
The session reviewed the Kingdom’s initial reports on the two optional protocols added to the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and the two Optional Protocols to the CRC on the involvement of children in armed conflicts, sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography.
In his speech, the minister highlighted Bahrain’s commitment to advancing children’s rights and implementing the ratified agreements, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. He emphasised the support of the government, led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, which has significantly improved the conditions of childhood in the Kingdom across legal, social, educational, and cultural domains.
The minister reviewed national initiatives and achievements to protect child
ren’s rights, particularly the National Childhood Strategy (2023-2027) and the Kingdom’s possession of an integrated system of policies, laws and programmes that enhance the protection of children’s rights, particularly the Law on Restorative Justice for Children and Their Protection from Maltreatment.
This includes the establishment of the Social Welfare Complex and allocating an independent prosecution to look into cases of children who committed and are victims of crime. The Public Prosecution launched in 2021 the social welfare initiative, to investigate the reasons behind the crimes to address and remove them. The Public Prosecution also issued a mechanism to question a child once regarding assault to preserve their mental health.
Al Asfoor also highlighted the launch of a national campaign in cooperation with several government entities to educate children and their parents about the dangers of cyberspace. A child protection unit in cyberspace was established, and a special office was initiated to rec
eive children in the building of the General Directorate of Anti-Corruption and Economic and Electronic Security, with the aim of providing them with protection.
He highlighted the establishment of the Child Rights Commissioner within the National Institution for Human Rights (NIHR), which also serves as an observer to the National Commission for Childhood. This role focuses on understanding the challenges faced by children and safeguarding their best interests. This also includes establishing the Family and Child Protection Office to ensure an independent legal process for cases involving families and children, providing immediate protection and maintaining confidentiality by offering a secure environment within police stations.
The minister underscored Bahrain’s efforts in advancing children’s rights through the enactment of various legislations aimed at their protection. He highlighted Decree Law No. 44 of 2018 on International Crimes, which addresses the involvement of children in armed conflicts, class
ifying it as a war crime.
The members of the UN Committee, led by Ann Skelton, commended Bahrain’s achievements in advancing children’s rights. They highlighted the Kingdom’s effective cooperation with the UN, noting its timely submission of required reports, clear responses to the committee’s inquiries, and the establishment of a constructive dialogue in this regard.
Source: Bahrain News Agency