Delegates Agree to Establish Fairer Electoral Constituencies, Adherence to International Human Rights Conventions in Bahrain's National Dialogue

MANAMA, Bahrain, July 22, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Delegates agreed to work towards establishing fairer electoral constituencies, while arriving at consensus on Bahrain's commitment to international human rights commitments during the ninth session of the historic and comprehensive National Dialogue yesterday.

Engaging in the open and honest debate that has characterized the inclusive and democratic nature of the Dialogue, participants from a variety of political societies and other groups discussed a variety of proposals to reform the electoral system in Bahrain. While several delegates expressed their concern that the current electoral constituency boundaries did not adequately represent the demography of Bahrain, others argued that the boundaries were drawn in accordance with international standards. Although the delegates arrived at no consensus on a specific reform proposal, they did agree that boundaries should be fairer and that all comments and proposals would be included in the Dialogue's final report.

In addressing a widespread issue in Bahrain, the Dialogue agreed to a proposal that granted citizenship to children of Bahraini women married to foreign nationals according to a clear set of rules.

In the human rights working group, participants agreed to establish a national program to promote human rights awareness among official and civil society organizations – and, in particular, among law enforcement personnel. Delegates also agreed that oversight of human rights organizations be transferred from the Ministry of Social Development and Human Rights to Parliament. In keeping with several days of deliberations, the assembled participants supported a proposal that Bahrain should sign and join international human rights treaties and translating these protocols to national legislation.

The National Dialogue will continue its deliberations on Sunday, July 24.

SOURCE Kingdom of Bahrain

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