Geneva, Shaikh Hisham bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa, Undersecretary for Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs (NPRA) and Chairman of the National Anti-Violence and Addiction Committee, participated in a panel discussion on the sidelines of the 57th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva.
The event was attended by Abdullah Abdullatif Abdullah, Bahrain’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, along with representatives from related organisations.
Shaikh Hisham highlighted Bahrain’s achievements in the field of human rights, driven by the vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.
He acknowledged the ongoing support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, in driving forward developmental projects and adapting them to current challenges.
Shaikh Hisham discussed Bahrain’s proactive measures in combating issues affecting children and youth, praising the efforts of General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Inte
rior Minister, in promoting human rights values through pioneering security initiatives aimed at preventing negative phenomena and reducing crime rates.
He emphasised that Bahrain has fostered an environment of tolerance and understanding, which led to the launch of the ‘Maan’ (Together) Programme in 2011 by the Ministry of Interior. The programme, a key initiative of the the National Plan to Promote the Spirit of Belonging to the Nation and Reinforce the Values of Citizenship (Bahrainouna), is an educational project implemented by the Community Police.
It aims to raise awareness, protect young people from violence and addiction, and empower them to make informed decisions.
Shaikh Hisham emphasised that the programme is an investment in Bahrain’s future, urging collaboration between educators, law enforcement, families, and the broader community to address violence and addiction effectively.
He noted that collective efforts are essential in guiding and supporting the younger generation.
He noted that the
programme has led to a 56% reduction in negative behaviours among participating students, attributing the success to careful planning and dedicated implementation.
The programme focuses on 11 key negative behaviours, equipping students with essential decision-making skills and the confidence to handle challenging situations.
During the session, Ali Ahmed Amini, Director of the Maan programme, and Professor David Weir from the University of North Carolina, USA, presented key achievements and challenges in human rights both regionally and internationally.
They also discussed how these efforts align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030. Additionally, they highlighted the outcomes of the peaceful coexistence and counter-extremism curriculum introduced by the Interior Minister, which is being implemented in Bahraini schools in cooperation with the University of North Carolina.
Source: Bahrain News Agency
