Deputy President of the National Institution for Human Rights (NIHR) Abdullah Al Derazi received Deputy Director of Policy and Research at the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) Dwight Bashir and his accompanying delegation. Head of the Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Committee Maria Khouri, member of the committee Aisha Mubarak, Head of the Civil and Political Rights Committee Dr. Bader Mohammed Adel and Acting Secretary General Dr. Khalifa bin Ali Al Fadhel were also present.

Al Derazi hailed strong ties binding the two friendly countries, spotlighting Bahrain's bright record in the field of religious freedom and tolerance thanks to the policies of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and his belief in religious freedom as one of the main pillar of building the nation.

Maria Khouri stressed that religious freedom in Bahrain does not only mean the existence of houses of worship and exercising the right to practise religious rituals but also enjoying the rights stipulated in the two international covenants: the International Covenant on Political and Civil Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights which are guaranteed by Bahrain's constitution without any discrimination. She also added that the right to education, health and housing is guaranteed for all. She underlined the importance of communication with NIHR, being an autonomous and internationally accredited party, to ascertain of any information related to religious freedom before including it in any report in the future.

Dr. Al Fadhel pointed out that the concepts related to religious freedom that were underscored by HM the King in an article published by Washington Times newspaper have been experienced by the Bahraini people over the past decades. He described them as a source of power for Bahrain as they are consistent with the values of tolerance and co-existence the Bahraini citizens have been brought up on.

On his part, Bashir lauded the role of NIHR in highlighting Bahrain's civilisational achievements and human rights gains, expressing thanks for the good welcome and hospitality and for answering the delegation's queries.

Source: BNA