Ahmed bin Salman Al Musallam, Speaker of the Council of Representatives, emphasised that Bahrain’s leading achievements in human rights and combating trafficking in persons are the result of a strong legal and labour framework established by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and supported by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

He highlighted that Bahrain’s continued Tier 1 ranking in the US Department of State’s Trafficking in Persons Report for the eighth consecutive year reflects effective cooperation between the legislative and executive branches, a well-rooted societal culture, national efforts, and the institutional work led by relevant authorities, particularly the National Committee to Combat Trafficking in Persons.

Al Musallam also noted the commitment of the legislative authority to further developing Bahrain’s legal framework and monitoring the implementation of relevant systems and procedures. Bahrain has become a leading regional and international model in this regard, reinforcing global confidence in the Kingdom and its success in safeguarding the rights of all parties in the labour relationship, based on a rights-based and civilised approach. He noted that this also contributes to attracting investment, supporting economic projects, and providing a safe and stable environment for living, working, and productivity under the rule of law and the principles of justice and human rights.

He said that this international recognition adds to Bahrain’s series of achievements under its comprehensive development path, and that combating human trafficking remains a national priority, a societal value, and an integral part of Bahraini culture that consistently works to uphold human rights across all sectors and levels.

The Speaker also commended the efforts of the many entities involved in securing and maintaining this high international standing, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Ministry of Interior; Supreme Judicial Council; Public Prosecution; Ministry of Social Development; Ministry of Information; Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Waqf; Ministry of Labour; the National Communication Centre (NCC); the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA); and civil society institutions.