Delegates Reach Crucial Consensus, Continue Discussions in Fourth Sessions of the Comprehensive National Dialogue

MANAMA, Bahrain, July 13, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In the fourth session of Bahrain's historic National Dialogue, participants reached crucial consensus on a number of youth-centric issues and broached additional political, economic, human rights and social questions that had not yet been raised.

After several sessions in which participants presented specific reform plans, yesterday's sessions raised additional topics for a second time and participants began to reach consensus on a variety of issues.

The Dialogue reached consensus on its first topic, agreeing to specific plans to facilitate the integration of young Bahraini citizens in the Kingdom's economic, social and political life. Among the 30 points on which the assembled delegates reach consensus were calls to increase funding for youth projects, to establish youth centers across the country, to create training and development programs and to increase the participation of young people in the decision-making process.

Participants expressed strongly diverging views on the existing electoral system, highlighting the importance of an open debate on this subject under the aegis of the National Dialogue. Some participants suggested that, in their current form, the composition of electoral districts did not reflect the Kingdom's demographics, while others believed it was a fair and representative system. Delegates also debated a suggestion for a quota system that would provide women with increased representation in parliament and the Shura – a move that would bolster women's rights and participation in the political process.

Human rights remained an important topic of conversation during the fourth day of deliberations. Several participants highlighted the importance of human rights as guaranteed by the Constitution and National Charter. A group of delegates supported the creation of a parliamentary committee for human rights in the Shura Council, which would support the implementation of key human rights precepts. Others called for Bahrain's assension to international treaties without reservations while respecting the values of Bahraini society.

On economic issues participants considered proposals on the proper mechanisms to reduce Bahrain's budget deficit. Some also called for restructuring salaries and wages to minimize social differences and assessing the needs of the poor before engaging in a debate on the welfare support system.

Deliberations continue on Thursday, July 14, when delegates will hold follow up sessions on political societies, civil society institutions, enhancing economic competitiveness and women's rights.

SOURCE Kingdom of Bahrain

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