Bahrain's progress in protecting the rights of women and children has been praised by the United Nations.

The country has set a positive example in the region in tackling discrimination, said UN Information Centre director for Bahrain, Qatar and the UAE Nejib Friji ahead of the first UN International Day of the Girl Child today.

It plans to launch an international campaign to promote the rights of girls and prevent child marriages, discrimination, violence and abuse.

"Given the high rate of women's education in Bahrain, the UN looks forward to further measures which will prevent any isolated cases," said Friji.

He hailed the example Bahrain has set for the region and hoped that in light of the "Arab Spring" new governments in the region would follow its example and do more to protect women's rights in their countries.

According to the UN, child marriage jeopardises health, increases exposure to violence and abuse, and results in early and unwanted pregnancies. – TradeArabia News Service