News
Minister of Social Development heads the Kingdom of Bahrain’s delegation to review the reports of the two optional protocols attached to the Convention on the Rights of the Child
28-08-2024
H.E. Mr. Osama bin Ahmed Khalaf Al Asfoor, Minister of Social Development, headed the Kingdom of Bahrain’s delegation to the interactive dialogue session at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, where the Kingdom of Bahrain’s initial reports on the two optional protocols related to the Convention on the Rights of the Child were reviewed: the Protocol on the Protection of Children from Trafficking, exploitation in prostitution, and from Pornography, specially the Protocol on the Protection of Children in Armed Conflict in Particular. In H.E speech, the Minister of Social Development stressed the marvels progress made by the Kingdom of Bahrain in promoting children’s rights and implementing the agreements it has ratified, under the lofty royal vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, and with the support and assistance of the government headed by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. This vision has contributed to implement the conditions of childhood in the Kingdom at various legal, social, educational and cultural levels, in an integrated work environment between all parties. The Minister highlighted the most important achievements of the Kingdom of Bahrain in terms of its commitment to the Convention on the Rights of the Child in general, and its two complementary protocols, based on the valuable interest that the Kingdom concerned in all subjects related to childhood, and its continuous and persistent efforts to improve the reality of this important group that constitutes the base of building the society, and its keenness to review its achievements periodically, in order to ensure the provision of protection and a safe environment for children and to raise an educated generation capable of improving the future of the Kingdom of Bahrain with efficiency and competence. During the discussion, the Minister reviewed the national initiatives and specific achievements to protect children's rights, most notably the "National Strategy for Childhood 2023-2027", and the Kingdom's possession of an integrated system of policies, laws and programs that highlight the importance of enhancing the protection of children's rights, in particular the Law on Restorative Justice for Children and their Protection from Abuse, in addition to establishing the Social Care Complex, and allocating an independent prosecution to consider cases in which a child is accused of committing crimes, and cases to be a victim. The Public Prosecution also launched the Social Care Initiative in the year 2021, to identify the underlying causes of crimes and address and eliminate of those causes, and the Public Prosecution issued a mechanism to question the child once in sexual assault crimes to preserve his/her psyche. On the subject of electronic blackmail, the Minister highlighted on launching a national campaign in cooperation with a several government agencies, to educate children and their parents about the dangers of cyberspace. A child protection unit was also established in cyberspace, and a special office was inaugurated to receive children in the General Administration office for Combating Corruption and Economic and Electronic Security, with the aim of providing comprehensive protection for this category. The Minister also pointed out the creation of the position of Commissioner for Child Rights, within the framework of the independent National Institution for Human Rights, and as an observer in the National Committee for Childhood, where his work specializes in understanding the issues facing children, and protecting and promoting their best interests. The Family and Child Protection Office was also created to ensure an independent legal path for facts related to the family and child, and to provide immediate protection for them, while maintaining confidentiality and privacy, by providing an appropriate environment when they visit police stations. The Minister of Social Development stressed that the Kingdom of Bahrain has achieved pioneering achievements in the field of children's rights, through the issuance of legislation that have contributed to protecting this category from participating in armed conflicts, including the issuance of Decree-Law No. 44 of 2018 regarding the issuance of the International Crimes Law, which works to confront the involvement of children in armed conflicts and classify it as a war crime. At the end of H.E. speech, the Minister expressed his pride in the participation of stakeholders from government agencies and civil society organizations in preparing the two reports, in addition to presenting the drafts to international experts, and activating the principle of best practices in involving stakeholders, as workshops were held with the participation of students and representatives of civil society organizations, to discuss a number of topics related to the two reports. For their part, the members of the committee, headed by Ms. Anne Skelton, noted the great progress achieved by the Kingdom of Bahrain in supporting children's rights, indicating that the Kingdom has demonstrated high efficiency in interacting with the UN committee and providing clear responses to the committee's inquiries, submitting the required reports within the specified times, and establishing a constructive and continuous dialogue with the Kingdom of Bahrain in this regard.
Ministry of Social Development renews its ISO certification in quality management systems
21-08-2024
H.E. Mr. Osama bin Ahmed Khalaf Al Asfoor, Minister of Social Development, stressed the Ministry's constant keenness to consolidate the work quality system and raise the necessary efficiency in all its sectors, which contributes to improving institutional performance, within the framework of applying the highest international standards to achieve quality and competitive government services. This came on the occasion of the Ministry of Social Development obtaining the ISO certificate for the Quality Management System (ISO 9001:2015) after passing all the standards and requirements of work quality approved in the international certificate, expressing H.E. gratitude and pride in this administrative achievement that confirms the level of productive efficiency in the various Ministry's directorate and departments, as this certificate was delivered in the presence of H.E. Mrs. Sahar Rashid Al Mannai, Undersecretary of the Ministry and the Quality Department team. The Minister of Social Development assured that the Ministry's has gained the ISO certificate for the second time in a row, after internal audit procedures, is a culmination of the efforts made by all the Ministry's cadres, and reflects the commitment to maintaining operational excellence at all levels through continuous improvement of services, stressing the move forward towards achieving national development strategies, in accordance with best practices and applying the highest international quality standards, which aim to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in various sectors of the Ministry, to advance government work and ensure sustainability and mastery in performance, in order to increase the satisfaction of beneficiaries of the Ministry's development and social services. It is noteworthy that the ISO certificate for the Quality Management System (ISO 9001:2015) is a global system that aims to apply several standards and use them as a tool for institutional development, through a set of procedures and operations that focus on achieving the quality policy and objectives.
Ministry of Social Development renews cooperation agreement with Al Rashid Trading Group BSC to grant persones with disabilities a discount in stores
20-08-2024
The Ministry of Social Development renewed its cooperation agreement with Al Rashid Trading Group BSC, which aims to grant holders of the integrated ID card with the ID of persons with disabilities a 15% discount when purchasing from all stores affiliated with the company, which owns more than 30 stores and 3 shopping centers in addition to independent stores. On this occasion, H.E. Mr. Osama bin Ahmed Khalaf Al Asfoor, Minister of Social Development, praised Al Rashid Group's support for disblaed within the principles of community partnership in order to enhance the quality of services provided to this important group in society, noting that the continuation of this support reflects the extent of private institutions' commitment to effective community contribution, alongside government sectors, especially since this initiative has received a positive response from the beneficiaries. In this context, H.E. stressed the Ministry of Social Development's continued implementation of national care and rehabilitation initiatives and projects in order to empower this group in the process of construction and development. For his part, Mr. Sandeep Narain, Regional President of Al Rashid Trading Group BSC, expressed his appreciation regarding the cooperation with the Ministry of Social Development, stressing the group’s commitment to supporting persons with disabilities, noting that this agreement reflects the company’s vision of promoting social solidarity and contributing to social development.
1,346 beneficiaries of services from 44 civil and private centers.. Assistant Undersecretary of Rehabilitation and Welfare at the Ministry of Social Development: Keenness to continue enhancing the lev
18-08-2024
Ms. Zainab Salman Al-Awainati, Assistant Undersecretary of Rehabilitation and Welfare at the Ministry of Social Development, affirmed the Kingdom of Bahrain's keenness to continue supporting persons with disabilities and preserving their rights to ensure comprehensive protection for them, in addition to strengthening community partnership with official, civil and private sectors to advance this category and raise the level of services provided to them. The Assistant Undersecretary of Rehabilitation and Welfare explained that within the framework of the Kingdom of Bahrain's interest in the rights of all persons with disabilities, the Ministry of Social Development launched a package of projects, initiatives and programs that were included in the executive plan of the National Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities for the years 2023-2027 to represent an integrated vision and framework and a national commitment to the necessary support and assistance to empower this category and integrate them into society, based on the Kingdom of Bahrain's commitment to relevant international agreements and conventions in a manner that contributes to ensuring societal equality. Al-Awainati pointed out that one year has passed since the launch of the executive plan for the National Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities since July of last year 2023, and confirmed in this regard that a team has been formed to monitor and follow up on the initiatives and projects of the executive plan, which includes representatives from all governmental and civil entities concerned with implementing the plan, where the progress of the plan is reviewed periodically and the aspects of progress made and the challenges facing the implementation of the included projects and initiatives are identified, as well as the periodic review process of the percentages of performance indicators to ensure effective evaluation, in addition to issuing periodic reports on the progress made and the percentages of achievement for all axes to ensure highlighting the efforts provided to persons with disabilities in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Assistant Undersecretary of Rehabilitation and Welfare stated that according to the statistics of the first half of this year 2024 AD, the number of civil centers reached (16) centers benefiting (627) people, while the number of private centers reached (28) centers benefiting (719) people with disabilities, noting that these centers are distributed across all governorates of the Kingdom of Bahrain. The Assistant Undersecretary of Rehabilitation and Welfare noted the joint coordination between the Ministry of Social Development and the Ministry of Interior to train people with disabilities to obtain a free driving license, which comes in accordance with the provisions of Law No. (74) of 2006 regarding the care, rehabilitation and employment of people with disabilities, and Law No. (23) of 2014 issuing the Traffic Law, in addition to enhancing cooperation and joint coordination with governmental and civil sectors, in order to provide the necessary protection for people with disabilities and develop various programs to care for and rehabilitate them and enable them to contribute to construction and participate in social development, alongside various sectors and groups of society. Al-Awinati pointed out the importance of people with disabilities updating their ID cards with their disability icon, to be able to benefit from the qualitative privileges that holders of the new ID card receive, most notably benefiting from discounts from a number of institutions and shops, which reach about* 180 government and private entities, in addition to obtaining a sticker for parking spaces for people with disabilities from the General Traffic Department, explaining that this step embodies the joint keenness to provide all possible facilities and provide the best services that serve the interests of all segments of society, and also reflects the existing partnership and cooperation between the Ministry and government and private institutions and bodies in order to keep pace with modern technologies and systems, which contributes to implementing national initiatives and projects to increase effectiveness and improve performance efficiency in the interest of citizens.
In the presence of the Minister of Social Development... The Good Word Society concludes its summer program "Sumou"
12-08-2024
In the presence of H.E. Mr. Osama bin Ahmed Khalaf Al Asfoor, Minister of Social Development and Chairman of the High Committee for the Care of People with Disabilities, the Good Word Society organized the closing ceremony of the "Sumou" summer program, which aims to guide the behavior of disabled and develop their capabilities and skills in a way that achieves their independence and enables them to integrate into society. In his speech, H.E. the Minister of Social Development praised the efforts of the Good Word Society and its community initiatives that include a number of diverse programs and activities directed at all segments of society, especially disabled, through its adoption of the "Sumou" summer program, in addition to its role in highlighting national efforts by consolidating the concepts of effective community partnership in society, stressing the Ministry's keenness to provide all appropriate means and continuous support for such constructive initiatives, and its cooperation with all civil society institutions to achieve common development goals towards building an equal society full of giving. The Minister of Social Development stressed that the Kingdom of Bahrain is full of good energies and sincere desires from many to participate in charitable work, and support and assist all segments of society, whatever their needs, congratulating the children participating in the "Sumou" program and the supporting entities on their achievements and urging them to continue working and striving to achieve aspirations. The ceremony included an introductory video about the "Sumou" initiative, a theatrical presentation by the program participants, in addition to distributing certificates and gifts to the participants and supporters of the program from governmental, civil and private entities.
For the objective of improving vocational and professional rehabilitation services for persons with disabilities .. The Ministry of Social Development signs a memorandum of understanding with the Bahr
04-08-2024
The Ministry of Social Development, signed a memorandum of understanding with the Bahrain Society for Children with Behavioral and Communication Difficulties, with the aim of developing vocational and profession rehabilitation services for persons with disabilities, investing their capabilities to become an effective production force in society, within the framework of community partnership with the official, private private sectors and entities supporting this category and advancement At the level of services provided to them. On this occasion, H.E. Mr. Osama bin Ahmed Khalaf Al -Asfoor, Minister of Social Development, stressed the importance of consolidating the principles of societal partnership between various sectors in a way that contributes to achieving national goals and upgrading the quality of social and development services provided by the Ministry to various groups of society, especially for disabled, praising in this context the cooperation with the Bahrain Society for Children with Behavioral and Communication Difficulties framework for strengthening societal partnership and cooperation with civil organizations working in the field of disability, active social participation and a sense of social responsibility. For her part, Sheikha Rania Bint Ali Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Bahrain Society for Children with Behavioral and Communication Difficulties on the efforts of the Ministry of Social Development to enhance the support of persons with disabilities, and preserving their rights to ensure the provision of comprehensive protection for them and integrate them with society.
Batelco Center for Family Stability organizes the inauguration ceremony of its new identity
11-07-2024
The Batelco Center for Family Stability organized the inauguration ceremony of the new identity of the Foundation, in the presence of Ms. Enas Mohammed Al Majid, Assistant Undersecretary for Community Development at the Ministry of Social Development, and with the participation of Mr. Mohsen Al Ghurairi, Chairman of the Foundation, and a number of official institutions and social and professional figures in this field, at The Grove Hotel in Amwaj Islands. . During the ceremony, the Assistant Undersecretary for Community Development confirmed that family issues are among the most prominent priorities that receive great attention and support in the Kingdom of Bahrain, praising in this context the efforts made by the Batelco Center for Family Stability Foundation and its initiatives to promote social justice, stability and integration into the process of sustainable development for the individual and society. entire. She added that the Ministry of Social Development is keen to enhance community awareness of the foundations of family stability, through continuing cooperation and coordination with various sectors and governmental, private and civil institutions, stressing its keenness to continue conducting a comprehensive and broad evaluation process of the extent of family institutions’ commitment to carrying out their duties at advanced levels, to contribute effectively to strengthening Family cohesion and community stability to protect the family, childhood and society. The inauguration ceremony included a screening of an introductory film about the Batelco Family Stability Center Foundation, as well as honoring a number of supporting bodies.
Launching the national awareness campaign to protect children from exploitation and electronic blackmail
10-07-2024
المنامة في 10 يوليو/بنا/ أُعلن اليوم عن إطلاق الحملة الوطنية التوعوية لحماية الأطفال من الاستغلال والابتزاز الإلكتروني بحضور كل من سعادة الدكتور علي بن فضل البوعينين النائب العام، ومعالي الشيخ خالد بن علي آل خليفة نائب رئيس المجلس الأعلى للقضاء رئيس محكمة التمييز، وسعادة السيد أسامة بن أحمد العصفور وزير التنمية الاجتماعية، وسعادة الدكتور محمد بن مبارك جمعة وزير التربية والتعليم، وسعادة السيدة روان بنت نجيب توفيقي وزيرة شؤون الشباب، والفريق طارق بن حسن الحسن رئيس الأمن العام، وعدد من كبار الشخصيات في مختلف الجهات. وتهدف الحملة التي تأتي بتنظيم من النيابة العامة ووزارة الداخلية، ووزارة التنمية الاجتماعية، ووزارة التربية والتعليم، ووزارة العدل والشؤون الإسلامية والأوقاف، ووزارة الإعلام، بالتعاون والشراكة مع الأمانة العامة للمجلس الأعلى للقضاء، ووزارة شؤون الشباب وهيئة المعلومات والحكومة الإلكترونية، والمؤسسة الوطنية لحقوق الإنسان، وهيئة تنظيم الاتصالات، ومعهد الدراسات القضائية والقانونية، ومركز الاتصال الوطني، تهدف إلى التوعية بشتى الوسائل الممكنة بمخاطر تعرض الأطفال لممارسات الاستغلال والابتزاز في الفضاء الإلكتروني بما في ذلك توعية الأطفال، ورفع مؤشر الرقابة لدى أولياء الأمور ومتولي المسؤولية عن الطفل في المجالات التي يوجد فيها، والإلمام بطرق التعامل مع الحالات التي من الممكن أن تكون ضحية للاستغلال والابتزاز الإلكتروني، وضوابط السماح للأطفال بالتعامل مع الفضاء الإلكتروني واستعمالهم الوسائط المتصلة بالإنترنت، فضلاً عن استخدام تطبيقات الحماية الإلكترونية. هذا وقد تم إطلاق الحملة في لقاء جامع حضره ممثلو الجهات المنظمة والمشاركة في تلك الحملة وعدد من الشخصيات العامة. وفي كلمته التي ألقاها لإعلان إطلاق هذه الحملة الوطنية ذكر النائب العام سعادة الدكتور علي بن فضل البوعينين أن رسالة النيابة العامة ترتبط بما تكفله المملكة للمواطنين والمقيمين من حقوق ارتباطاً وثيقاً، ومن ثم فلها دور مواز في حماية المجتمع والحفاظ على مقوماته البشرية والمادية تشارك به الجهود المبذولة لتنفيذ الاستراتيجيات الوطنية، وأن النيابة العامة تحرص من هذا المنطلق على رصد أي أسباب أو ممارسات تقود إلى ارتكاب الجريمة، وتخضعها للدراسة والتحليل، وتقدر مدى تأثيرها على السلوك الفردي ومردود ذلك على المجتمع ككل، لترى بعد ذلك أوجه المساهمة التي من الممكن أن تشارك بها لإزالة هذه الأسباب. ويأتي ذلك إيماناً منها بأن المواجهة الجادة للجريمة بمختلف أنواعها وأشكالها لا يمكن أن تأتي لاحقةً على وقوعها فتقتصر فقط على ترتيب المسؤولية الجنائية والمساءلة عنها، بل يتعين القضاء على الأسباب المؤدية إليها، والعمل على توفير بيئة مجتمعية تحكمها المبادئ الأخلاقية التي تضبط المناهج والسلوك بما من شأنه الحد من الجريمة وانخفاض نسبتها ومعدلاتها البيانية. مشيراً إلى أن هذه الحملة الوطنية تهدف إلى حماية الأطفال من الممارسات غير المشروعة عبر الفضاء الإلكتروني خاصة مع اتساع نطاقه وتعدد استخداماته وإتاحته للكافة ولجميع الفئات العمرية، ولهذا فقد اتجهت إرادة النيابة العامة والوزارات الموقرة لتكثيف الجهود للإفاقة إلى مخاطر تلك الممارسات إزاء الأطفال، والعمل على رفع مستوى الوعي لديهم ولدى أولياء الأمور والمسؤولين عن تربيتهم في جميع الأوساط. فيما نوه النائب العام إلى أن المجال مفتوح لكل جهة وفرد للمساهمة في مواجهة هذه المخاطر ولتأمين سلامة أطفالنا. كما دعا إلى تدارس الواقع والنظر فيما يمكن أن يُستحدث تقنياً أو إجرائياً مما قد يُرى لازماً لاستكمال منظومة مكافحة الجرائم الإلكترونية وبالأخص الواقعة على الأطفال، وتلك التي تنال من قيم المجتمع وثوابته. ومن ناحية أخرى ألقى سعادة السيد أسامة بن أحمد العصفور، وزير التنمية الاجتماعية، كلمة أعرب فيها عن اهتمام الوزارة بتنظيم هذه الحملة الوطنية، والتي تأتي في إطار الشراكة المجتمعية من أجل توعية الأطفال وأسرهم، وللنهوض بقضايا سلامة وأمن هذه الفئة المهمة التي تعد النواة الأساسية للمجتمع، مؤكداً أن مملكة البحرين قد نفذت العديد من المبادرات الوطنية التي تدعم الآليات والإجراءات المعمول بها لوقف العنف ضد الأطفال، حيث صدرت العديد من القوانين المتوافقة مع المبادئ والمعايير الدولية، كان أبرزها قانون العدالة الإصلاحية والأطفال وحمايتهم من سوء المعاملة تؤازرها جهود الحكومة الموقرة من أجل تنفيذ أولويات المشاريع والبرامج الموجهة للأطفال. كما أشار إلى خطورة محاولات استغلال الأطفال وما تشكله من انتهاك لحقوق الطفل الأساسية وتسببه من أضرار نفسية وجسدية، مشيراً إلى ضرورة الإفاقة إلى تلك الممارسات وإطلاق حملات التوعية والتثقيف لمواجهتها. وفي كلمة ألقاها سعادة الدكتور محمد بن مبارك جمعة، وزير التربية والتعليم، أشاد بالتعاون القائم بين الوزارة والمنظمين في إطلاق هذه الحملة الوطنية إيماناً منهم بأن حماية النشء وتحقيق المصالح الفضلى للطفل هي مسألة يجب أن تتضافر فيها الجهود بما في ذلك الأسرة لغرس القيم والأخلاق الحميدة فيهم، والتي تنبع من أصالة المجتمع البحريني وخصوصيته وهويته وثوابته الوطنية، مشيراً إلى أن الحملة تبرز أهمية الدور الوقائي باستباق الأخطار السيبرانية ودرء السلوكيات المنحرفة التي تترك آثارها السلبية على بناء شخصياتهم وتوازنهم النفسي وقدرتهم على الاندماج الاجتماعي والتحصيل الدراسي، مضيفاً أن الوزارة في إطار دورها الوقائي تعمل على تربية النشء تربية سليمة وتعزيز السلوكيات القويمة وتوفير بيئة مدرسية آمنة ومحفزة للتعليم، وتستند في عملها إلى الاتفاقيات الدولية التي انضمت إليها المملكة، وفي هذا الصدد عملت على تضمين الأمن السيبراني في المناهج الدراسية. كما وضعت دليلاً استرشادياً للتعامل مع حالات التنمر والابتزاز والتحرش وغيرها من الظواهر السلبية في المدارس ومؤسسات التعليم المبكر، ولائحة مسلكية لمتابعة سلوكهم، ولتعزيز دورها التربوي والتثقيفي، فقد وفرت الوزارة اختصاصيي الإرشاد الاجتماعي، وعملت على تقوية العلاقات الأسرية عبر برنامج خاص. فيما عقدت ملتقى تربوي لأولياء الأمور لتوعيتهم بأهمية حماية أبنائهم من إساءة استخدام وسائل التواصل الاجتماعي وكيفية الوقاية من الجرائم السيبرانية. كما ألقى سعادة الفريق طارق بن حسن الحسن، رئيس الأمن العام، كلمة أشار فيها إلى اتساع استخدامات الفضاء الإلكتروني في شتى المجالات ومناحي الحياة، إلا أنه مع ذلك ينطوي على مخاطر جمة وتهديدات حقيقية يواجهها الأطفال بصفة خاصة على نحو يهدد سلامتهم النفسية والجسدية وصحتهم العقلية، وتفسد أخلاقهم وتؤثر على سلوكياتهم بسبب تعرضهم من خلاله للاستغلال الجنسي والتنمر والاحتيال، ومن ثم فقد باتت مواجهة تلك المخاطر والعمل على الحد منها أولوية ملحة تتطلب من الجميع بذل أقصى الجهود وتوفير سبل الحماية والوقاية، مشيراً إلى أن وزارة الداخلية قد اعتمدت استراتيجيتها الأمنية القائمة على الاستباقية في التصدي للجريمة بشكل عام، وتحقيق الأمن الشامل من خلال توظيف أحدث وسائل التكنولوجيا ومواكبة أحدث النظم والآليات في هذا الشأن، وبناء على ذلك أُنشئت وحدة حماية الطفل في الفضاء الإلكتروني بموجب قرار معالي وزير الداخلية. ودعا إلى اتخاذ ما يلزم لتوفير الحماية في الفضاء الإلكتروني عموماً والأطفال بصفة خاصة، منوهاً بأهمية الحملة الوطنية التوعوية لحماية الأطفال من الاستغلال والابتزاز الإلكتروني، وبضرورة العمل على تحديث التشريعات وتفعيل دور الجهات الرقابية والاهتمام بالتدريب وتعزيز دور الأسرة مع غرس الوازع الديني والأخلاقي وتعزيز الانتماء الوطني لدى النشء. هذا ومن المقرر أن تبدأ فعاليات وأنشطة هذه الحملة الوطنية اعتباراً من اليوم وحتى نهاية العام الجاري.
To confer ways to enhance coordination andcombined cooperation.. The Minister of Social Development receives the official representative of the World Health Organization
07-07-2024
H.E. Mr. Osama bin Ahmed Khalaf Al-Asfoor, Minister of Social Development, received Dr. Tasnim Ghaleb Atatreh, Representative of the World Health Organization in the Kingdom of Bahrain, in the presence of a Ministry's and the Organization officials. Heading the meeting, the Minister of Social Development praised the role of the World Health Organization and its prominent efforts aiming to prompt healthy lifestyles in communities, stressing the Ministry’s keenness to consolidate cooperation feilds in order to support the aspirations of various groups of society, including the elderly and disabilities, within the framework of implementing the national strategy. For the elderly, and the National Strategy for Persons with Disabilities, in partnership with various sectors in order to provide aspects of health care to their importance in society. Discussion held about the important services provided by the Ministry to various groups of society, especially the elderly and people with disabilities, were also reviewed, ensuring the provision of health and social care for them and enhancing their participation in society, in addition to the Ministry’s efforts to empower them through several development and social programs and initiatives, in addition to discussing a number of Topics of common interest. For her part, Dr. Tasnim Ghaleb Atatreh, Representative of the World Health Organization in the Kingdom of Bahrain, expressed her appreciation for the efforts taken by the Ministry of Social Development, stressing the importance of strengthening cooperation between the two entities in order to implement the national strategies of the Kingdom of Bahrain in accordance with the aspirations related to health fields.
In the presence of the Minister of Social Development .. The Launch of the Second Edition of the Gulf International Forum and Cooperate Social Responsibility Award
26-06-2024
In the presence of H.E Mr. Osama bin Ahmed Khalaf Al Asfoor, Minister of Social Development, and with largest number of experts and those interested participated in social responsibility programs from the Kingdom of Bahrain and the GCC countries, the second edition of the Gulf International Forum and Cooperate Social Responsibility Award was launched today in the Kingdom of Bahrain titled "Strategic Practice for a best future", organized by the Bahrain Society for Social Responsibility and the Eastern Region Council for Social Responsibility in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which includes a group of leading companies and entities in the field of social responsibility. On this occasion, H.E. the Minister of Social Development affirmed the Kingdom of Bahrain's commitment to supporting programs and projects aimed at achieving sustainable development social services, praising the outstanding achievements made by the Kingdom in the field of social responsibility, which complement the government's efforts and achievements in the field of sustainable development, in addition to the Kingdom's successful experiences in social responsibility applications, aimed at establishing the concept of protection and care, and empowering individuals. At the beginning of the conference, H.E> pointed out that the second edition of the conference and award comes to emphasize the region's wealth of human capabilities of managing vital issues and enhancing the quality of work in the field of social responsibility and sustainable development, with the aim of shaping a positive and sustainable future that reflects a deep awareness and belief in the human and societal values of volunteer work among officials and workers in these fields. In this context, he stressed the Ministry of Social Development's keenness to honor these distinguished and innovative efforts that highlight an exemplary commitment to the values of social responsibility with the aim of enhancing quality and achieving the desired positive impact. The conference aims to enhance cooperation and integration between government and private entities in the field of social responsibility, and to form a platform for thought leaders from various sectors and industries to exchange ideas, strategies, best practices and success stories in social responsibility and sustainable development. The event also celebrates the distinguished efforts and achievements in the field of social responsibility with the attendance of a diverse group of experts and specialists, to enhance awareness of the importance of social responsibility and to highlight exemplary companies and institutions in implementing the principles of social responsibility. At the end of the event, H.E. the Minister of Social Development honored the distinguished organizations, companies and institutions in the field of social responsibility, wishing the winning entities success and calling for the continuation of such purposeful projects as part of strengthening the principles of community partnership.
The Minister of Social Development attandce the opening of the workshop "Implementing an innovative community initiatives in the field of elderly care"
25-06-2024
H.E. Mr. Osama bin Ahmed Khalaf Al Asfoor, Minister of Social Development, attanded today, Tuesday, a training workshop entitled "Implementing an innovative community initiatives in the field of elderly care", which was organized by the Ebrahim Khalil Kanoo Social Club for Parents in cooperation with the Regional Network for Social Responsibility, in the presence of Mr. Ahmed Al Banna, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Club, and the participation of a number of specialists and those interested in the field of social care and community innovation. The workshop addressed a number of topics, most notably the concept of innovative community initiatives in the field of elderly care and their impact on beneficiaries and supporters, and the principles that help achieve innovation, in addition to training participants on preparing and designing methodologies for innovative community initiatives and raising awareness of the importance of harmonizing community initiatives according to recognized professional tools. In his opening speech, His Excellency praised the importance of the workshop topic and its role in training and empowering workers in the field of elderly care to enhance the vision and mission of the institution within a development perspective that is compatible with community initiatives and in accordance with the concepts of raising institutional performance and competitiveness, in order to ensure the achievement of sustainable development goals. His Excellency also stressed the valuable initiatives that reflect the Kingdom of Bahrain's growing commitment to empowering the elderly to integrate and contribute more effectively to society in the areas of sustainable development, pointing at the same time to enhancing the combination of positive and effective efforts in community partnership with civil sector institutions with this generous group, and working with all care to provide comprehensive care for them, especially since the Ministry of Social Development has developed a clear vision supported by programs and projects aimed at achieving protection and care, and providing social and development services to senior citizens to benefit from their experiences and capabilities.
It was held on the sidelines of the 3rd Arab Forum for Equality.. The Ministry of Social Development participates in the meeting of the15th session of the Social Development Committee of the UN Econom
11-06-2024
The Ministry of Social Development participated in the meeting of the 15th session of the Social Development Committee of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), which was held on the sidelines of the 3rd Arab Forum for Equality in the Republic of Egypt. The meeting discussed number of common social files between Arab countries, in addition to reviewing the programs of expert teams concerned with the sector of persons with disabilities and those concerned with reforming social protection, in order to support and coordinate cooperation and exchange experiences on social protection issues at the regional level. The working sessions also discussed global and regional efforts to deal with crises and provide emergency humanitarian aid to various groups, in addition a spotlight on public policies to ensure sustainable development, highlighting the successful experiences of Arab countries in dealing with the fight against epidemics, and the extent of the influence of social and economic systems in maintaining equality. For all segments of society, with the participation of an elite group of decision-makers in Arab countries regarding social and economic development, in addition to the banking sector, international specialists in human development, international institutes and universities, and a number of entrepreneurs. At the end of the forum’s sessions, a meeting of the expert group on social protection reform was held with the participation of member states, which discussed mechanisms for implementing the decisions of the meeting of the 15th session of the Committee for Social Development of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), in addition to the recommendations of the 3rd Arab Forum for Equality.
The Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Social Development launch the summer program “Maa'n”
10-06-2024
The Ministry of Interior, in coordination with the Ministry of Social Development, launched the summer program “Maa'n”, which is the first model program of its kind in partnership and cooperation with the Anti-Violence and Addiction Program (Maa'n), targeting children under the age of 18 who are members of the Child Protection Center of the Ministry of Social Development. This program comes within the framework of strengthening the principles of community partnership and achieving the best interest of the child in accordance with the purposes of the Law on Restorative Justice for Children and their Protection from Abuse. On this occasion, Ms. Zainab Salman Al-Awainati, Assistant Undersecretary for Welfare and Social Rehabilitation at the Ministry of Social Development, explained the importance of this program in achieving the desired strategic goals of the Child Protection Center and its role in enhancing the behavioral and skill development of children by relying on educational content that has proven its positive impact on children and its contributions to refining knowledge and skills. To face various challenges. Pointing that the “Maa'n” summer program comes within the strategic plan of the Committee to Combat Violence and Addiction, and it is one of the initiatives emanating from the committee and includes a group of interactive workshops and lectures in which children participated, in addition to the “Maa'n” awareness exhibition accompanying the program, which includes a number of educational departments. Which is based on the lessons of the Together Awareness Curricula. The inauguration of the program was attended by Ms. Zainab Salman Al-Awainati, Assistant Undersecretary for Welfare and Social Rehabilitation at the Ministry of Social Development, Major General Mona Ali Abdul Rahim, Director General of the General Administration of Women’s Police, Colonel Maryam Al-Bardoli, Head of the Juvenile Welfare Center, Mr. Ali Ahmed Amini, Director of the Anti-Violence and Addiction Program “Maa'n,” and Mr. Ibrahim Ahmed Al-Fadala, Social Welfare Director at the Ministry of Social Development.
The Minister of Social Development chairs the 2nd meeting of the Family Microfinance House (FMH)
07-06-2024
H.E. Osama bin Ahmed Khalaf Al Asfoor, Minister of Social Development and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Family Microfinance House (FMH), chaired the 2nd meeting of the Board of Directors of the Family House for Microfinance. During the meeting, a number of items on the agenda were discussed, including following up on the progress of work at the Family Microfinance House (FMH), the achievements and results of the bank's operations, in addition to reviewing the bank's plan for the upcoming period. In this regard, H.E.the Minister of Social Development praised the efforts of the executive management and the Family Microfinance House (FMH) team in adopting flexible policies to ensure the provision of easy financial financing to its clients who own medium and small projects, in addition to striving to achieve the bank's social and humanitarian goals. On the other side, the members of the Board of Directors of the Family Microfinance House (FMH) expressed their appreciation & gratitude to the governmental institutions that support the bank's objective's, which contributes in enhancing opportunities for providing financing facilities for micro-projects.
The Minister of Social Development receives a delegation from the World Bank Group
06-06-2024
H.E. Mr. Osama bin Ahmed Khalaf Al-Asfour, Minister of Social Development, received a delegation from the World Bank Group, headed by Dr. Christopher Herbst, Leader of the Human Development Program, and in the presence of a number of ministry officials, to discuss ways of joint cooperation between the two sides. During the meeting, the efforts of the Ministry of Social Development in the sectors of community development, care and social rehabilitation were reviewed, in addition to the executive plan for the national strategy for the rights of persons with disabilities, and the areas of protection and care for various groups of society, including people with disabilities and the elderly. For their part, the World Bank Group delegation expressed their appreciation for the efforts of the Ministry of Social Development in providing aspects of protection and social care, looking forward to consolidating joint cooperation to learn about the best practices implemented by the Ministry in the areas of protection and care for persons with disabilities and the elderly.
The Undersecartery of the Minister of Social Development meets with the headquarters of the Executive Bureau of the Council of Ministers of Labour and Ministers of Social Affairs in GCC States.
05-06-2024
H.E. Mrs. Sahar Rashid Al Mannai, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Social Development, received Mr. Mohammed bin Hassan Al Obaidli,headquarters of the Executive Bureau of the Council of Ministers of Labour and Ministers of Social Affairs in GCC countries. The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Social Development praised the efforts of theExecutive Bureau in consolidating areas of cooperation with the GCC countries in order to reach more integrated and advanced development and social paths, stressing the Ministry’s keenness to commit to strengthening joint work in everything that would contribute to supporting the aspirations and visions of strategies. Development in the Council countries. During the meeting, ways to enhance joint cooperation were discussed, including in the fields of research, development and social studies, in addition to reviewing developments in the Executive Bureau’s work strategy and frameworks for priority projects for implementation. For his part, Mr. Mohammed bin Hassan Al-Obaidli, the headquarters of the Executive Bureau of the Council of Ministers of Labour and Ministers of Social Affairs in GCC countries, expressed his appreciation for the initiatives of the Ministry of Social Development and its keenness to advance paths of joint cooperation, noting the importance of Gulf efforts to develop the social system.
Minister of Social Development receives the Secretary-General of the Royal Humanitarian Foundation (RHF)
02-06-2024
H.E. Mr. Osama bin Ahmed Khalaf Al-Asfour, Minister of Social Development, received H.E> Sheikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Secretary-General of the Royal Humanitarian Foundation(RHF). During the meeting, the most prominent development initiatives and projects provided by the Ministry of Social Development to various segments of society, and protection and care programs aimed at enhancing social security, including programs directed at protecting children and developing productive families, as well as all aspects of support services, were reviewed. Charitable work projects at the Royal Humanitarian Foundation were also reviewed, including the “Nataj Bahrain Products” project, which is considered one of the Foundation’s most important development projects, and works to create distinguished pioneering Bahraini cadres in the field of production, in addition to development projects. In this regard, H.E. the Minister of Social Development expressed his appreciation for the executive management of the Royal Humanitarian Foundation (RHF) and its efforts to empower affiliated families, within the framework of implementing the directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, the honorary president of the Foundation, in order to The initiative to provide humanitarian and charitable work inside and outside the Kingdom, with direct follow-up and supervision by H.H. Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty the King for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs and Chairman of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees, stressing that the Ministry of Social Development is keen to support all means with the Royal Foundation for Humanitarian Work within the framework of strengthening Social protection and care system. For his part, the Secretary-General of the Royal Humanitarian Foundation (RHF) affirmed moving forward with the commitment to achieve further progress in serving the nation and the citizen, within the visions and aspirations of His Majesty the King, and under the distinguished leadership of H.H. Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty the King for Humanitarian Affairs and Affairs. Al-Shabab, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Humanitarian Foundation, to continue humanitarian work and provide comprehensive care to all deserving groups in the Kingdom, praising the efforts of the Ministry of Social Development and all its achievements in the areas of sustainable development, noting the importance of advancing paths of joint cooperation between the two entities.
The Ministry of Social Development participates in the 2nd meeting of the working team to amend the context of the unified regulation to empower persons with disabilities in Riyadh
01-06-2024
Mr. Sadiq Sahwan, Rehabilitation Welfare Director at the Ministry of Social Development, participated in the 2nd meeting of the working team to amend the context of the unified regulation to empower persons with disabilities in the GCC countries, at the headquarters of the General Secretariat in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which was organized by the General Secretariat of the GCC, in the presence of legal specialists from the Ministries of Social Development Affairs in the GCC countries, the Bureau Office of the Council of Ministers of Labor and the Council of Ministers of Social Affairs in the GCC countries. In this context, the Rehabilitation Welfare Director expressed his appreciation for the efforts made by the team, and its commitment to developing legislation and empowering persons with disabilities, stressing the importance of adopting the unified law within the system of general rules, to provide legal protection, and enhance opportunities for participation and development for them, pointing out the importance of reviewing and updating the relevant laws and legislation, to ensure their compatibility with international best practices, as well as achieving social and economic integration for this category in the Gulf society. During the meeting, several main topics were discussed and amendments to the unified law were examined to enhance the rights of persons with disabilities and empower them in various fields, including enhancing education and vocational training, ensuring appropriate job opportunities, health care, access to public services, and community participation rights. Experiences and opinions were exchanged between team members and challenges and opportunities were reviewed to achieve positive change in the reality of persons with disabilities. The importance of coordination between member states was also emphasized, to exchange experiences and unify efforts made in this field.
The Minister of Social Development meets with the headquarters of the Executive Bureau of the Council of Ministers of Labour and Ministers of Social Affairs in GCC States.
31-05-2024
H.E. Mr. Osama bin Ahmed Khalaf Al Asfoor, Minister of Social Development, received Mr. Mohammed bin Hassan Al-Obaidli, the headquarters of the Executive Bureau of the Council of Ministers of Labour and Ministers of Social Affairs in GCC States, within the framework of enhancing cooperation and coordination between the Ministry and the Executive Bureau. During the meeting, many initiatives and projects in the fields of social development were discussed, aiming to advance prospects for joint cooperation and adopt qualitative strategies and programs, to achieve sustainable development in GCC. H.E. the Minister of Social Development expressed his appreciation for the efforts made by the Executive Bureau, through continuing effective partnerships between member states, stressing the Ministry's commitment to advancing the wheel of development towards more advanced levels, within the framework of exchanging experiences and knowledge to achieve common aspirations. In turn, the headquarters of the Executive Bureau stressed on the importance of cooperation and coordination of efforts in the areas of social development, acknowledging to continue developing these well-known relations in a way that opens the way for more opportunities for integration and interconnection, and enhances sustainable projects, and share goodness and development to Gulf societies.
The Minister of Social Development receives the President of Foundation For Women and Children in Ajman
25-05-2024
H.E Mr. Osama bin Ahmed Khalaf Al-Asfoor, Minister of Social Development, received H.H. Sheikha Azza bint Rashid Al Nuaimi, President of Dubai Foundation For Women and Children in the United Arab Emirates, on the sidelines of H.Highness’s visit to the Kingdom of Bahrain. During the meeting, development initiatives and projects provided by the Ministry of Social Development in the field of women and child protection were reviewed, as well as welfare programs through specialized social institutions and temporary and alternative shelter centers, to achieve stability, family harmony, and psychological safety for children, indicating that the Ministry seeks to provide many Social Development services through community partnership programs with government sectors and civil society and private organizations. H.H. visited Dar Al-Aman Walfare for Women Subjected to Domestic Violence, and the Child Protection Center, in the Welfare & Social Protection Complex, with Mrs. Zainab Salman Al-Awainati, Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Assistant Undersecretary, and Ministry officials, to view the facilities of the welfare and center, and the most important procedures related to securing temporary shelter for individuals and families exposed to it. for domestic violence, and also for child protection, in addition to the quality services it provides in the health, legal and social fields, in addition to programs to support family harmony and rehabilitation. At the conclusion of the visit, H.H. Sheikha Azza bint Rashid Al Nuaimi, President of the Foundation for Women and Children in the State of United Arab Emirates, praised the efforts made by the Ministry of Social Development and its initiatives in providing the necessary protection for women and children, and providing aspects of social, psychological and legal services to these groups, stressing the keenness to Strengthening bilateral relations and developing strategic partnerships to support the issue of women and children and achieve the objectives of these matters.