Additional Consensus Reached on Fifth Day of Historic and Comprehensive National Dialogue

MANAMA, Bahrain, July 15, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In their fifth day of deliberations, the 266 delegates participating in the comprehensive National Dialogue achieved consensus on a wide range of social, political, economic and human rights issues.

The Dialogue unanimously decided to bolster women's rights and opportunities for economic empowerment. In particular, the delegates agreed to ensure the comprehensive implementation of the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women while simultaneously respecting the country's religious traditions. Participants further agreed to ensure the comprehensive implementation of children's rights legislated and approved the proposal to grant citizenship to all children born to Bahraini women married to foreign nationals.

During discussions about the appropriate relationship between non-governmental organizations and the state, participants agreed to develop and adopt a "National Strategy for NGOs." Under such an agreement, organizations would be permitted to establish headquarters with the assistance of the Ministry of Human Rights and Social Development. The delegates also agreed to establish specific rules governing the distribution of public funds. In particular, any suspension of government funding could only be authorized by a court order.

In the political working group, the assembled delegates were able to achieve consensus on the implementation of comprehensive legislation ensuring non-sectarianism in all civil and political organizations. Participants also agreed to establish broader rules governing financial disclosure of political organizations and additional rules on how such groups structure, monitor and organize their funding.

Deliberations in the economic working group focused on bolstering Bahrain's financial competitiveness. Specifically, delegates called for the comprehensive implementation of the "Gulf Agreement," which would ensure fair and equal treatment for Bahrain.

The National Dialogue continues this Sunday, July 17 when the assembled delegates will work to achieve consensus on the roles of the Shura Council and Elected parliament, issues of civil security and peace, judicial authority and the level of government services.

SOURCE Kingdom of Bahrain

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