Bahrain’s Shura Council has approved a fund to compensate people affected by last year's unrest in the kingdom.

The Royal decree to establish the National Compensation Fund comes under the Human Rights and Social Development Ministry.

It was formed by His Majesty King Hamad in line with the UN General Assembly's guidelines on victims' right of redress.

Councillors urgently approved the proposal that would compensate people affected by the February and March unrest and its aftermath.

The proposal would be sent to the Cabinet, which would enact by-laws to organise the fund's structure and mechanisms.

It stipulated those subjected to material, moral or physical harm at the hands of security forces or government employees would benefit from the fund.

Security personnel or government employees affected on duty were also eligible for compensation, along with victims' relatives and those who suffered collateral damage.

The fund would be earmarked in the state budget and payments would be made pending a final court verdict to indicate the perpetrator.

Human Rights and Social Development Minister Dr Fatima Al Balooshi would have the sole authority to accept grants, assistance and donations. – TradeArabia News Service