NIHR: Bahrain land of tolerance

The National Institution for Human Rights (NIHR) has backed the UN’s call to celebrate the International Day for Tolerance, which is observed worldwide each November 16, and to adhere to the principles of tolerance which are embedded in the UNESCO Declaration of Principles on Tolerance.

In a statement marking the occasion, the NIHR affirmed that the concepts of religious tolerance and peaceful co-existence have been experienced by the Bahraini society, in all its spectra, over the past decades and have been the source of the kingdom’s strength and steadfastness.

These principles reflect the real situation prevailing in Bahrain, and the values of tolerance and co-existence have always been associated with the Bahraini citizens, NIHR added.

The NIHR also praised the Declaration of the Kingdom of Bahrain, which, it said, is an important document calling for pluralism that categorically rejects forced religious commitment and condemns acts of violence, abuse and incitement in the name of religion.

The statement also stressed the responsibility of the governments of the world to respect and protect religious minorities, in particular, and religions, in general.

The NIHR also highlighted the inauguration of the King Hamad Global Centre for Interfaith Dialogue and Peaceful Coexistence in Los Angeles last September, noting that the centre aims to consolidate religious freedom for all, and ensure life in a world that believes in peaceful co-existence, as well as to promote the culture of dialogue and understanding among religions, and combat the hatred and fanaticism discourse.

This year, the UN launched the "Together" Campaign to promote tolerance, respect and dignity all over the world through strengthening mutual understanding among cultures and peoples, in line with the provisions of the UN Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, given the fact that nations are built by tolerance.

The International Day for Tolerance is celebrated on November 16 of every year. The UN General Assembly invited the UN Member States to celebrate the event to promote tolerance, appreciation, respect, and cooperation among the different world’s cultures and religions.

Source: BNA