Mar 17, 2014
US Congress delegation visits Ombudsman
Manama, Mar. 16. 2014 (BNA) – Secretary-General of the Ombudsman Nawaf Mohammed Al Ma'awda received here today a delegation from the US Congress, currently on a visit to the Kingdom.
Members of the delegation were informed, through a video presentation, about the functions of the Ombudsman, being the first in the region to be established to consolidate the Interior Ministry's affiliates' commitment to human rights values and human treatment while dealing with the public.
The presentation focused on the Ombudsman's duties regarding receiving complaints and monitoring reformation and rehabilitation centres .
They were also briefed about the role and duties of the Commission of the Rights Prisoners and Detainees concerning monitoring prisons, detention centres, care centres for juvenile detainees, and any other venues where people might be detained, such as hospitals and psychiatric wards, in order to ensure that inmates are not treated in an inhumane or degrading way or tortured.
The Commission of the Rights Prisoners and Detainees exercises its duties freely, impartially, transparently and independently, the US Congress delegation was also told.
Nawaf Al Ma'awda affirmed that the Office of the Ombudsman has adopted an approach of openness to international experiences in order to avail of the best experience and expertise in its field of work.
He added that the Ombudsman always welcomes positive interaction and cooperation with international bodies, institutions and key personalities for the sake of achieving the principle of transparency it has adopted to achieve its goals in serving society.
http://www.bna.bh/portal/en/news/608643
