Bahrain to seek ILO board seat
Manama, April 14, 2014
Bahrain plans to run for a seat on the board of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), which last month threw out a complaint filed against the country by trade unionists.
The Cabinet yesterday approved a proposal by Labour Minister Jameel Humaidan for Bahrain to seek a place on the board, said a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.
Minister of State for Information Affairs and official government spokeswoman Sameera Rajab said it would help Bahrain's efforts to adhere to international labour standards and ensure active participation at the ILO.
The GDN reported last month that Bahrain would not face action over dismissals that followed anti-government protests during the height of the unrest in 2011.
A complaint had been lodged by 12 members of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) after 4,624 people were sacked.
However, a special report detailing the implementation of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry recommendations stated 98.94 per cent had been reinstated, found jobs elsewhere or received financial compensation - with only 35 cases outstanding involving people who either refused jobs offered to them or insisted on going back to their old positions.
Many of those sacked from their jobs attended illegal protests during unrest, took part in strikes, skipped work without the approval of their bosses to attend demonstrations or faced criminal charges in connection with the unrest, although some claimed they were dismissed for no reason.
Rajab insisted yesterday that Bahrain was committed to protecting human rights.
"We abide by our international commitments and are working with confidence," she told a press conference after the Cabinet's weekly session.
"It is not international directives that force us to reform, but our beliefs and religious values about respecting human rights that motivate us and have been always motivating us.
"Bahrain is committed to human rights and progression is imminent."
She also accused terrorists of violating other people's human rights by putting them at risk.
"Terrorism is not targeting just policemen - it doesn't differentiate or distinguish between anyone," she said.
"Despite that, our stand against terrorism always takes human rights into consideration.
Agreement
"Unfortunately lives are lost. Our duty is protect everyone, but accidents happen."
Meanwhile, the Cabinet approved a proposal by Transportation Minister Kamal Ahmed on signing a new air transport agreement with Russia.
The agreement is said to be in line with latest developments in the international aviation industry, especially with regard to civil aviation safety and security, as well as security of travel documents and co-operation between airlines of both countries.
The new agreement will replace an old one signed between the two countries on June 17, 1994. - TradeArabia News Service
