HRH the Premier receives Dr El Araby
Arabs urged to stand united amid threats
Manama, May 26, 2014
Arabs have been urged to stand united and defend their common interests amid mounting challenges and threats. Consolidation of joint Arab action has now become imperative, His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa said.
He underlined the importance of the initiative by His Majesty King Hamad to set up the Arab Court for Human Rights, under the umbrella of the Arab League, stemmed from direct threat to countries' sovereignty and security, said a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.
The Prime Minister was speaking as he received at Gudaibiya Palace Arab League secretary general Dr Nabil El Araby, GCC secretary general Dr Abdullatif Al Zayani and other participants in the International Conference on the Arab Court for Human Rights, which opened at the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain, Hotel and Spa yesterday (May 25).
The Premier welcomed the participants and wished the conference success.
He hailed the establishment of the Arab Court for Human Rights as a historic event aiming to boost human rights and enhance their protection.
He emphasised that the Arab League should regain its former role and significance as a venue that brings together all Arab countries and a catalyst for their development.
Meanwhile, a top UN official has welcomed a move to make Bahrain the headquarters of a pan-Arab human rights court.
United Nations Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights Middle East and North Africa section chief Frej Fenniche said the Arab Court for Human Rights marked the start of the region's journey to reform.
He also called for the court to receive human rights complaints from expatriates living in Arab countries.
"The High Commissioner of Human Rights welcomes Bahrain as the headquarters of the Arab Court for Human Rights," he said.
"This conference in Bahrain shows to the world that the journey towards reforms, dignity and social justice has started and rights violations in the Arab countries will be taken seriously, including those of migrant workers."
The court will probe allegations of torture, discrimination and other violations lodged by Arab citizens. - TradeArabia News Service
