A new national strategy for human rights in Bahrain is being spearheaded by parliament.

Meetings with the Foreign and Interior Ministries, the National Institution for Human Rights (NIHR), the Public Prosecution, the Interior Ministry Ombudsman and other organisations are due to begin today (April 20), said a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

Parliament human rights committee chairman MP Khalid Al Shaer told a Press conference yesterday that further efforts were needed to improve the country's human rights record.

"We are not saying that Bahrain is free of human rights violations, but they are not systematic," he said.

"They are committed by individuals who misuse their authority and power.

"The foundation has been laid by His Majesty King Hamad and we are way ahead of many other countries in respecting human rights, but nothing is perfect and we are working to improve.

"A new long-term national strategy will be introduced and we will start work on it immediately with all of those concerned, as we think of a plan for two decades to come."

Al Shaer criticised an Amnesty International report last week, accusing it of attacking Bahrain's human rights record while ignoring positive developments.

"One of the organisation's officials even stated that the report was issued in line with Bahrain hosting the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, which clearly shows there was 'political targeting' to harm the economy and stir trouble," he said.

"They dedicated three pages in their 384-page report to Bahrain."

Al Shaer also said it was unfair to categorise Bahrain with other countries such as Israel, Iraq and Syria.

"They (Amnesty International) have issued 1,171 statements on Bahrain until April 15 and 898 documents on Bahrain since the 2011 unrest," he said.

"The report even mentions Bahrain more than Islamic State (IS), as if Bahrain was the source of enormous violations, while in reality the truth is the opposite - but they are not seeking truth.

"They depend on the hardcore opposition for their information, rather than us in parliament, or even visits the government has arranged for them."

Al Shaer also said more should be done by societies and individuals in Bahrain, not just the government, to counter such reports with facts on the ground.

"There are efforts and we as MPs have spoken about the matter in Europe with the European Parliament and organisations in Geneva, but the public and individuals have to tell the world that what's being said is wrong," he said.

"We have hugely improved and we are set to further improve.

"Yes, there are lapses and mistakes, but they are not a trend and they are being taken seriously by the government."

Parliament services committee vice-chairman and human rights committee member MP Mohammed Al Maarafee said claims by Amnesty International had to be investigated - and if they are incorrect this needed to be highlighted.

"We have to fix more within the country, but if claims are genuine then we have to address them from the root - otherwise Amnesty International will face an uproar from us," he said. - TradeArabia news Service