News
During participation in the Parliamentary Forum "Towards Empowerment and Participation" Al-Asfoor: The Kingdom of Bahrain is one of the leading countries in the field of integrating and empowering peo
31-05-2023
His Excellency the Minister of Social Development, Mr. Osama bin Ahmed Khalaf Al-Asfoor, participated in the Parliamentary Forum for the Care of Persons with Disabilities "Towards Empowerment and Participation", which was organized by the Parliament under the auspices of the Speaker of the Parliament, His Excellency Mr. Ahmed bin Salman Al-Musallam, and in the presence of a number of members of the Shura and Parliament, private and civil institutions and relevant community figures. During his speech, Minister Al-Asfoor praised the topic of the forum, which reflects the extent of interest that the House of Representatives attaches to the people of determination, pointing out that this human interest in all its dimensions has become a solid culture, and an effective translation of the directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the great King of the country, may God protect and preserve him, and with the support and continuous support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, may God protect him, by providing all the sponsorship and rehabilitation capabilities that support them, so that they can To participate in community life in all its fields, as well as to safeguard their national rights. He stressed that the Kingdom of Bahrain is one of the pioneering countries in the field of integrating and empowering them, as it has made tangible achievements in terms of promoting and supporting their rights in all social and development fields, whether in terms of international agreements and legislation guaranteeing the protection of their rights, or in terms of implementing community partnership projects with various state institutions, which believe in the importance of its social responsibility towards this important group in society. He also referred to updating the executive plan for the National Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, for the five years (2023-2027), in line with Bahrain's qualitative achievements that serve this category, through which more projects and programs supporting their rights will continue to be implemented, in partnership and cooperation with all official and private bodies concerned with their affairs. Noting in this regard that this strategy represents a comprehensive vision and an integrated national framework, which reflects the commitment of the esteemed government to care for and guarantee their rights, pointing out that this plan aspires to create a Bahraini society based on the principle of integration, in which citizens of this category that are dear to us will be able to exercise all their rights in a fair and equal manner, based on the approach based on human rights, which is based on the principles contained in the Charter of the United Nations, as well as the relevant international agreement.
Affirming keenness to strengthen international efforts to protect children, the Kingdom of Bahrain participates in the 42nd session of the Council of Arab Social Ministers
28-05-2023
The Kingdom of Bahrain, represented by the Ministry of Social Development, participated in the regional conference on preventing grave violations against children in armed conflicts, which was held under the chairmanship of the sisterly State of Qatar for the forty-second session of the Council of Arab Ministers of Social Affairs of the League of Arab States, through visual communication technology, and with the participation of Arab countries in the Council and specialized international organizations. During the sessions, a number of themes were discussed, foremost of which was a session entitled "Regional Best Practices on Preventing Grave Violations Against Children in Armed Conflict", while the second session was on "Emerging Thematic Issues to Advance the Protection of Children and Prevent Grave Violations", and the last session on strengthening regional cooperation on "Preventing Grave Violations against Children in Armed Conflict". On this occasion, the Undersecretary of the Ministry, Ms. Sahar Rashid Al-Mannai, affirmed that the Kingdom of Bahrain shows great interest in protecting and preserving the rights of the child guaranteed by the Bahraini constitution, by promoting his belonging and development in a safe environment and reinforced by modern and developed laws and legislation, noting Bahrain's keenness to strengthen international efforts to ensure the protection and care of the child in its comprehensive concept, and within the framework of his upbringing in a positive and safe environment. At the end of the sessions, the Council issued the final statement and a number of recommendations, most notably the full commitment to promoting the rights of the Arab child and embodying them on the ground through laws, policies, programs and plans directed at children, as well as calling on the international community to take responsibility for protecting children suffering from armed conflicts and occupation, and emphasizing that children and youth hold the keys to peace and security, and the importance of investing in the upbringing, protection and empowerment of these two groups, as well as welcoming the initiative of the Kingdom of Norway to organize the international meeting for the protection of children in conflict areas to be held in Oslo on June 5 and 6, 2020. 23.
Minister Al-Asfoor: Supporting the developmental efforts of the Bahraini Women's Union
27-05-2023
His Excellency Mr. Osama bin Ahmed Khalaf Al-Asfoor, Minister of Social Development, received the President of the Bahraini Women's Union, Ms. Ahlam Ahmed Rajab, in the presence of members of the Board of Directors of the Federation, to discuss ways to support and empower Bahraini women in various fields. During the meeting, the most prominent programs and initiatives of the Bahraini Women's Union were reviewed within the framework of achieving its goals and aspirations towards empowering women and families in the social and economic field, in order to advance their developmental conditions, in a society based on the principle of equality and equal opportunities among citizens. For his part, the Minister of Social Development expressed his appreciation for the development efforts implemented by the Bahraini Women's Union, and its goals aimed at supporting Bahraini women, to participate in the march of progress, renaissance and nation-building, pointing to the importance of raising awareness of the importance of women's participation at various levels, stressing in this context the need for concerted efforts between government, private and civil sectors to achieve the desired development goals, as well as the Ministry's continued support for the Union's efforts to contribute to achieving its noble aspirations to serve women and the Bahraini family.
The Minister of Social Development meets the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Youth and Environment Association
26-05-2023
His Excellency Mr. Osama bin Ahmed Khalaf Al-Asfour, Minister of Social Development, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Youth and Environment Association, received Dr. Ali Hassan Musa, in the presence of a number of members of the Board of Directors. During the meeting, the most important objectives of the association aimed at spreading environmental awareness among young people and encouraging them to volunteer work were reviewed, as well as enriching environmental scientific research, through organizing workshops and specialized courses. Ways to improve environmental volunteer work were also reviewed, as well as many ideas and proposals to overcome challenges that contribute towards strengthening cooperation and coordination between the association and the Ministry of Social Development, enabling it to perform its development mission. The Minister of Social Development praised the efforts of the members of the Youth and Environment Association, and their contribution to promoting the voluntary field among young people, in order to protect the environment, stressing the importance of concerted national efforts through the principles of community partnership that contribute positively to the development of society, stressing the Ministry's keenness to support the initiatives of civil society organizations to carry out their charitable and voluntary duty, To achieve sustainable development goals. For their part, the Chairman and members of the Board of Directors of the Youth and Environment Association expressed their thanks and appreciation for the continuous support provided by the Ministry of Social Development, stressing the determination to continue work and giving in light of cooperation with various relevant authorities.
The Minister of Social Development receives a copy of the master's thesis, researcher Amal Bu Anak
26-05-2023
His Excellency Mr. Osama bin Ahmed Khalaf Al-Asfoor, Minister of Social Development, received a copy of the master's thesis entitled "Designing a Strategic Structure to Improve Governmental Level and Qualifications of Institutions to Employ Persons with Disabilities," prepared by researcher Amal Adel Bu Anak. Minister Al-Asfoor praised this study, especially that it is related to one of the development projects presented by the Ministry for people with disabilities, pointing to the importance of scientific studies and research in supporting the process of sustainable development in various developmental and social fields, stressing in this context the keenness of the Kingdom of Bahrain to support national cadres, which is one of the most important sources of research, knowledge and construction.
The Minister of Social Development Receives a Copy of the Book "Artificial Intelligence in the Future of Humanity"
25-05-2023
His Excellency Mr. Osama bin Ahmed Khalaf Al-Asfoor, Minister of Social Development, received Dr. Jassim Haji, Chairman of the Global Group for Artificial Intelligence, who presented him with a copy of a book entitled "Artificial Intelligence in the Future of Humanity". On this occasion, Minister Al-Asfoor expressed his appreciation for the efforts made in issuing this valuable book, for the information it contained on artificial intelligence as the digital language, and its importance in contributing to radical improvements in various fields, wishing the Chairman of the Global Group on Artificial Intelligence further progress and success.
Minister of Social Development: Supporting civil organizations to enable them to carry out their development mission
24-05-2023
His Excellency Mr. Osama bin Ahmed Khalaf Al-Asfoor, Minister of Social Development, affirmed the ministry's support for all civil society institutions, calling for strengthening the principles of community partnership and coordination with the relevant authorities, to enable civil organizations to fulfill their mission. This came during his meeting with the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Bahrain Bar Association, Mr. Hassan Ahmed Budaiwi, in the presence of a number of members of the Board of Directors, in order to discuss ways to enhance joint cooperation between the Ministry and the Association. During the meeting, Bedaiwi briefed the Minister on the latest developments in the work of the Bahrain Bar Association, and its most prominent contributions towards advancing the legal profession, in coordination with the relevant authorities, in addition to reviewing the challenges so as to enable the members of the association to perform their duty efficiently and competently.
The Minister of Social Development meets the Executive Director of the Micro Art Training Center
24-05-2023
His Excellency Mr. Osama bin Ahmed Khalaf Al-Asfoor, Minister of Social Development, Executive Director of the Micro Art Training Center and certified trainer, received Dr. Zainab Rashid Siwar, who presented to His Excellency my master's thesis entitled "Analysis of Design Formulations of Significant Shapes and Elements in the Dilmun Seals in the Kingdom of Bahrain and Their Employment in Decorative Designs", and her PhD thesis entitled "The Semiological Dimension of Dilmun Mythology in Mesopotamia and the Kingdom of Bahrain as an Introduction to the Decorative Panel". The Minister of Social Development praised the role of the academic researcher, who contributed to highlighting the historical and artistic face of the Kingdom of Bahrain, enriching national libraries, and those interested in this field. In this context, he praised the researcher's contributions for the rich ideas she presents, wishing her success.
The Minister of Social Development Meets the Bahraini Medical Association
22-05-2023
His Excellency Mr. Osama bin Ahmed Khalaf Al-Asfoor, Minister of Social Development, received Dr. Amer Al-Derazi, President of the Bahrain Medical Association, in the presence of a number of members of the Board of Directors. During the meeting, the association's programs and activities and aspects of cooperation with relevant governmental and private institutions were reviewed, as well as ideas and initiatives that would contribute to enabling the association to perform its developmental role. For his part, the Minister of Social Development praised the role played by the Bahrain Medical Association, pointing to the need for cooperation and concerted efforts between the various civil, private and governmental sectors, stressing in this context the Ministry's keenness to support efforts in support of government work in the context of achieving more developmental and social achievements for various segments of society.
The Ministry of Social Development participates in the meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation
22-05-2023
Ms. Zainab Salman Al-Awainati, Assistant Undersecretary for Social Welfare and Rehabilitation at the Ministry of Social Development, participated in the meeting of the open-ended group of intergovernmental experts, organized by the General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, to discuss and enrich the draft plan of action of the organization for the protection and inclusion of persons with disabilities, at the headquarters of the Secretariat in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This meeting comes within the framework of following up the implementation of the decision on cultural, social and family affairs issued by the 49th session of the Council of Foreign Ministers held last March, in preparation for presenting it to the second ministerial conference on social development under the slogan "Social Justice and Community Security", scheduled to be held in Cairo, Arab Republic of Egypt during the month of June 2023, in addition to the Council of Foreign Ministers in its next session. On this occasion, the Assistant Undersecretary for Social Welfare and Rehabilitation stressed that the meeting represents an opportunity to discuss ways and mechanisms for implementing the Organization of Islamic Cooperation's action plan to protect and integrate persons with disabilities, as well as exchange international experiences and review challenges in the field of empowerment and integration of this group. During the meeting, the draft plan of action of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation prepared by the Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Center for Islamic Countries (SESRIC) regarding people with disabilities was reviewed.
20-05-2023
His Excellency Mr. Osama bin Ahmed Khalaf Al-Asfour, Minister of Social Development, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the British Club, received Mr. Christopher Woodrow, in the presence of a number of members of the Board of Directors, on the occasion of the election of the new Board of Directors. At the beginning of the meeting, Minister Al-Asfoor congratulated the Chairman and members of the Board of Directors on their election to the new session, pointing to the importance of the role played by civil society organizations through effective community partnership with the relevant national authorities, to achieve the desired goals in terms of humanitarian and development work, stressing in this context that the Ministry continues to support civil society organizations in accordance with the laws and regulations in force in this field. For their part, the Chairman and members of the Board of Directors of the British Club expressed their appreciation for the efforts made by the Ministry of Social Development in the areas of community development, praising the support and development of the sector of civil organizations and non-profit institutions in the Kingdom of Bahrain, which leads to improving the level of their productivity and providing more development services in an optimal way for various groups of society.
The Minister of Social Development praises the achievements of the citizen Abdullah Al Balushi
19-05-2023
His Excellency Mr. Osama bin Ahmed Khalaf Al-Asfour, Minister of Social Development, affirmed the government's keenness to improve services provided to people with disabilities in various societal and developmental fields, and to preserve their rights to ensure comprehensive protection for them and to enjoy true equality with their peers in society. This came during His Excellency's meeting with the citizen Abdullah Al Balushi, where the most prominent achievements of the citizen at the local and external levels in the fields of people with disabilities were reviewed, in addition to the international participation through which he attained advanced positions.
The Minister of Social Development meets the President of the Bahraini Foundation for Dialogue
19-05-2023
His Excellency Mr. Osama bin Ahmed Khalaf Al-Asfoor, Minister of Social Development, founder and chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Bahrain Institute for Dialogue, received Mr. Suhail Ghazi Al-Qusaibi. During the meeting, the most important goals of the association aimed at serving community members were reviewed in a way that contributes to strengthening community cohesion, referring in this context to a number of programs and events organized by the association that highlight the importance of constructive cooperation and positive coexistence, as well as spreading the values of tolerance and dialogue, in order to support the national efforts made in this field. For his part, the Minister of Social Development praised the association's developmental and social goals, and ways to enhance them in a way that contributes to consolidating the spirit of national belonging, and spreading a culture of dialogue and cooperation among the various groups of society, stressing the Ministry's support for the efforts of civil society organizations and their contributions to promoting sustainable social development in order to achieve the desired national goals. Al-Gosaibi also presented the Minister with a copy of his book entitled "The Story of the Bahraini Institute for Dialogue 2012-2022", where the Minister expressed his thanks and appreciation for this gift, praising the efforts in issuing this valuable book.
The Minister of Social Development praises the Supreme Council for Women's leadership of a working group concerned with preparing the strategy for joint Gulf action in the field of women's affairs
18-05-2023
His Excellency the Minister of Social Development, Mr. Osama bin Ahmed Khalaf Al-Asfour, valued the Supreme Council for Women's chairmanship of a team concerned with preparing a strategy for joint Gulf action in the field of women's affairs, within the first meeting of the GCC Women's Affairs Committee, which comes in response to the proposal submitted by the Kingdom of Bahrain through the General Secretariat of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf. On this occasion, the Minister of Social Development praised the role played by the Supreme Council for Women since its establishment under the leadership of Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, wife of the great King of the country, may God protect her, in supporting Bahraini women, which provided opportunities for them to exercise their effective role in the construction and development movement, as well as achieving their progress in various political, economic and social sites and fields under the comprehensive development project of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the great King of the country, may God protect and preserve him, and with the continuous efforts of the esteemed government headed by His Royal Highness Prince Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, may God protect him, to highlight the status of Bahraini women and enhance their presence, nationally, regionally and globally. He also pointed out that the Kingdom of Bahrain, represented by the Supreme Council for Women, presided over the team concerned with developing the Gulf strategy for women's affairs during the first meeting of the Standing Committee for Women's Affairs in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries in the sisterly Sultanate of Oman this month. In this context, he commended the pioneering national initiatives and strategies of the Supreme Council for Women over the past years, which represented a roadmap for advancing and empowering women to play their vital role, as well as the achievements made by the Council through its strategic vision of building an equal and sustainable competitive society, which resulted in this national edifice becoming a role model and referred to in various forums. He affirmed the support of the Ministry of Social Development for the initiatives and directives of the Supreme Council for Women, which contributes to the advancement of Bahraini women to be partners in achieving more national achievements in various issues related to women, within a complete system based on equal opportunities and gender balance.
Minister Al-Asfoor highly appreciates the order of His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to accept the applications of 236 employees of the Step Program who are eligible for retirem
18-05-2023
His Excellency the Minister of Social Development, Mr. Osama bin Ahmed Khalaf Al-Asfour, valued the order of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, may God protect him, the concerned government authorities to accept the applications of 236 employees of the Step Home Projects Program who are eligible for retirement pensions immediately, which comes as a natural outcome of the great interest in the citizen in light of the comprehensive development process of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the great King of the country, may God protect and preserve him, to enhance the progress made towards economic and social empowerment The Bahraini citizen as a supreme goal to achieve sustainable development in the country. His Excellency also pointed out that this order from His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, constitutes an important incentive for all entrepreneurs and productive families, in order to continue working and build the Kingdom's prosperous future with a promising future vision, expressing in this context his deep thanks and appreciation for the keenness that the government attaches to protecting them and enabling them to develop and continuity of their businesses, in addition to stimulating productivity and growth in the labor market, under a legal umbrella that the Kingdom of Bahrain is interested in providing to citizens in all fields. The Minister of Social Development stated that the Step for Home Projects program succeeded in providing a supportive environment that qualifies the productive family to transition to the stage of entrepreneurship.
His Majesty the King delegates His Highness Shaikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa to attend the British Embassy ceremony on the occasion of the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III of the United
08-05-2023
Manama, May 08 (BNA): His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, delegated His Highness Shaikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Personal Representative of His Majesty the King, to attend the ceremony of the United Kingdom Embassy in the Kingdom of Bahrain on the occasion of the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, which was held this evening at the Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel. His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa, upon his arrival at the venue of the ceremony, accompanied by His Highness Sheikh Isa bin Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa, was received by Mr. Roddy Drummond, Ambassador of the friendly United Kingdom to the Kingdom of Bahrain, and a number of Their Excellencies, ministers and senior officials in the Kingdom, ambassadors and members of the embassy. At the beginning of the ceremony, His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa conveyed the sincere congratulations and blessings of His Majesty the King, may God preserve and preserve him, and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, may God protect him, on this auspicious occasion, expressing his best wishes to His Majesty King Charles III of good health, happiness, and success in continuing to lead the United Kingdom towards more progress and prosperity, and to enhance its prestigious and pioneering role in the world, and for the people of the United Kingdom to have more prosperity and prosperity. His Highness Shaikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Personal Representative of His Majesty the King, affirmed that the Bahraini-British relations are solid and well-established, extending for more than 200 years of strategy, partnership, coordination, cooperation and joint work at various levels, in a way that serves the interests of the two countries and achieves the aspirations of their two friendly peoples. His Highness affirmed that the Kingdom of Bahrain, under the wise directives of His Majesty the Great King, may God protect and preserve him, always strives to achieve the best relations and strengthen and support them in various fields. At the beginning of the ceremony, the Bahraini and British royal anthems were played, then Mr. Roddy Drummond, the Ambassador of the United Kingdom, delivered a speech in which he expressed his thanks and gratitude for the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, to the celebration of the British Embassy in the Kingdom of Bahrain on the occasion of the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and appreciating the presence of His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa for this celebration on behalf of His Majesty, praising the existing relations between the United Kingdom and the Kingdom of Bahrain and the development and growth of these relations through the meeting. Fruitful efforts between all governmental, economic and commercial sectors over the years and in various fields. The ceremony was attended by a number of Their Excellencies ministers, senior invitees, a number of members of the Shura and Representative Councils, members of the diplomatic corps accredited to the Kingdom of Bahrain, and the invitees.
The Minister of Social Development meets the Minister of State for Foreign and Parliamentary Affairs of India
06-05-2023
His Excellency Mr. Osama bin Ahmed Khalaf Al-Asfoor, Minister of Social Development, Minister of State for Foreign and Parliamentary Affairs of the Republic of India, received His Excellency Mr. F. Muralidharan, as part of his official visit to the Kingdom of Bahrain. During the meeting, they reviewed the progress and development of the Bahraini-Indian relations at all levels, especially in terms of social development, which were reinforced by the strong historical friendship between the two friendly countries, stressing the importance of continuing to push them towards more work and joint coordination, in a way that achieves the desired aspirations and goals.
The "Freedom of Religion and Belief" conference reviews examples of the Bahraini and European experiences in freedom of religion and belief
03-05-2023
Manama, May 03 (BNA): The discussion sessions of the "Freedom of Religion and Belief" conference, which is being held in cooperation between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the European Union, kicked off in Manama today, Wednesday, with the participation of elite policy and decision makers from both sides and representatives of civil society. during the session; His Excellency Mr. Osama bin Ahmed Khalaf Al-Asfoor, Minister of Social Development, affirmed that the Kingdom of Bahrain is continuing on the path of development and progress, with the support of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the great King of the country, may God preserve and preserve him, and the continuous follow-up of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, may God protect him. Minister Al-Asfoor indicated that the Kingdom of Bahrain takes the principles of peace, coexistence and dialogue between cultures and religions as a foundation, which was confirmed by the Kingdom of Bahrain's declaration. on her part; Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees of the King Hamad Global Center for Peaceful Coexistence, Ms. Betsy Mathewson, affirmed that the (Kingdom of Bahrain Declaration) is still gaining more international attention, pointing out that the essence of this important document aims to promote peace in the world and achieve peaceful coexistence among peoples. She said, "The founding document of our work is the Declaration of the Kingdom of Bahrain, sponsored by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the country's great king, may God protect and preserve him, since 2017. The declaration was not created for academics, politicians, or government organizations; but it is directed to touch every man, woman, and child on this planet, and to give hope and comfort to those who live without this precious human right, or who live with severe restrictions on their right to worship freely and safely." She added, "His Holiness Pope Francis, during his historic visit to Bahrain last November, quoted the declaration more than once, including the famous opening words of His Majesty the King, may God protect him, saying (If ignorance is the enemy of peace, then education is the friend of peace). The Grand Imam, His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, quoted the words of the Kingdom of Bahrain's declaration and called on all peoples to unite in dialogue and friendship." Today's sessions discussed consolidating the foundations of an organized dialogue to deepen the common understanding of freedom of religions and beliefs, and the promotion of human cooperation on the principles of pluralism and diversity to enhance respect for freedom of religions and beliefs at the regional and global levels, within the framework of political dialogue, cooperation and enhanced communication between the European Union and the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council. The discussion sessions also focused on freedom of religion and belief, presenting models and lessons learned from the Bahraini and European experiences, towards the development and implementation of this basic human right, and discussing challenges in a world in which the hatred fueled by extremists prevails in societies, and their exploitation of digital media to enhance polarization, in a world in which there are monotheistic religions and more than 4,000 other religions and philosophies. The conference discussed strengthening Bahraini-European relations on issues of freedom of religion and belief at the regional and international levels, and promoting respect for this human right. This conference is the second edition of the Conference on Freedom of Religion and Belief "Broadening the Horizon" that was held in Manama last May, and a joint statement was issued aimed at strengthening the building of bridges of cooperation between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the European Union in the field of promoting freedom of religion or belief, in a way that supports the efforts of the Kingdom of Bahrain in delivering its civilized message to the world as a pioneering model in the field of respect for freedoms and rights. Tolerance and support for regional and international efforts to consolidate the values of moderation and rejection of hatred, violence and extremism. The conference, organized by the King Hamad Global Center for Peaceful Coexistence and the “This is Bahrain” association, and lasting for three days, seeks to come up with a common vision for a better understanding of the history of the Kingdom of Bahrain and the European Union and their views on freedom of religion and belief.
The launch of the second edition of the Conference on Freedom of Religion and Belief
02-05-2023
Manama, May 02 (BNA): The work of the second edition of the Conference on Freedom of Religion and Belief kicked off today, which is being held in cooperation between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the European Union, with the participation of elite policy and decision makers in the Kingdom of Bahrain and the European Union, and representatives of civil society. The conference aims to consolidate the foundations of an organized dialogue to deepen the common understanding of freedom of religions and beliefs, and to promote human cooperation on the principles of pluralism and diversity to enhance respect for freedom of religions and beliefs at the regional and global levels, within the framework of "political dialogue, cooperation and enhanced communication between the European Union and the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council." The conference seeks to form a constructive dialogue on freedom of religion and belief, present models and lessons learned from the Bahraini experience and the European experience, towards the development and implementation of this basic human right, and discuss the challenges in a world in which the hatred fueled by extremists prevails in societies, and their exploitation of digital media to enhance polarization, in a world in which there are monotheistic religions and more than 4,000 other religions and philosophies. The conference discusses strengthening Bahraini-European relations on issues of freedom of religion and belief at the regional and international levels, and enhancing respect for this human right. This is the second edition of the Conference on Freedom of Religion and Belief "Broadening the Horizon" that was held in Manama in May-June 2022, and a joint statement was issued aimed at strengthening building bridges of cooperation between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the European Union in the field of promoting freedom of religion or belief, in a way that supports the efforts of the Kingdom of Bahrain in delivering its civilized message to the world as a leading model in the field of respect for freedoms and rights, and it also embodies Bahrain's keenness to promote Existing cooperation and partnership with all parties of the international community, as well as activating the role of civil society, in order to contribute to spreading inclusive human values, promoting a culture of peace, coexistence and tolerance, and supporting regional and international efforts to consolidate the values of moderation and rejection of hatred, violence and extremism. The conference, organized by the King Hamad Global Center for Peaceful Coexistence and the “This is Bahrain” association, and lasting for three days, seeks to come up with a common vision for a better understanding of the history of the Kingdom of Bahrain and the European Union and their views on freedom of religion and belief. The holding of this great event in the Kingdom of Bahrain is dedicated to the prestige and good reputation that the Kingdom of Bahrain has gained under the visions of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the great King of the country, may God preserve and preserve him, as a leading global model for societies based on religious, civilizational and cultural diversity and pluralism, and its unique experience in the field of protecting religious freedoms and respecting religious, intellectual and cultural diversity within the framework of the principles of the constitution and the rule of law, which provides the participants in the conference an ideal environment to establish a meaningful dialogue And building on how to reach common visions to enhance coexistence and mutual respect in societies coming from different historical, religious and philosophical backgrounds.
During his participation in the extraordinary session of the Council of Arab Ministers of Social Affairs on Sudan.. Minister of Social Development: The Kingdom of Bahrain's support for international e
01-05-2023
His Excellency Mr. Osama bin Ahmed Khalaf Al-Asfoor, Minister of Social Development, participated in the extraordinary session of the Council of Arab Ministers of Social Affairs, organized by the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States, the Social Affairs Sector, via visual communication technology, on the humanitarian and social conditions in the Republic of Sudan. During the session, the humanitarian and social conditions in the sisterly Republic of Sudan were reviewed as a result of the armed clashes inside Sudan, which led to huge numbers of victims, and a continuous increase in the number of injured, which affected the social and health conditions greatly, and the situation formed double humanitarian, health and social effects on the elderly, people with disabilities and children. In a statement, the Minister of Social Development affirmed the Kingdom of Bahrain's solidarity with brotherly Sudan in its difficult ordeal that left humanitarian and social impacts, and its firm position represented in the need to reduce escalation and work for a peaceful solution to the crisis between the concerned parties, in order to avoid an exacerbation of the humanitarian situation in the Republic of Sudan, pointing to Bahrain's keenness to support international efforts to provide all aspects of humanitarian and social support in a way that contributes to improving the situation in Sudan, and making every effort to assist the Republic of Sudan in ending this crisis and in line with the interest of the brotherly Sudanese people. At the conclusion of the meeting, the Council decided to instruct the General Secretariat of the Social Affairs Sector to take the necessary measures to mitigate the humanitarian and social effects resulting from the armed clashes in the sisterly Republic of Sudan, to purchase social and humanitarian support supplies and to work to deliver them to those affected in coordination with the concerned Arab and international bodies. The Council also decided to support the joint international efforts between the League of Arab States and the Sudanese state, to provide health, medicine, food and social care support to civilians in the areas of clashes, and to the displaced Sudanese in the various states. This session comes in recognition of the seriousness of the humanitarian situation in the sisterly Republic of Sudan, and the repercussions the people are exposed to as a result of the armed clashes, and their impact on the Sudanese social and development capabilities and gains, and the need for rapid humanitarian and social intervention to limit the effects of these repercussions, including the speedy delivery of humanitarian and social care services to those affected, as the Council of the League of Arab States issued at the level of permanent delegates in its extraordinary session last April, a statement on developments in the Republic of Sudan.