Two talkers, through which the Kingdom of Bahrain was able to consolidate its presence on the international scene strongly and distinctly. The first, represented by the election of our dear country, a non -permanent membership in the UN Security Council for two years, starting from the beginning of next year. The second event is our hosting of the first international conference for alternative sanctions, a project in which Bahrain has achieved great success. The link between the two events is a necessity to understand a more comprehensive context that reflects a coherent trend towards consolidating justice in its modern form and what the Kingdom of Bahrain believes in, which I see is summarized in an equation that can be translated as follows: “Justice based on a balance between sovereignty and human being, and between law and reform.” A voice in the United Nations General Assembly was not the result of instant diplomatic moves, but rather an extension of the positions and policies that were distinguished by the balance, and a constant keenness to interact constructive with regional and international issues. It is distinguished that this international membership came in a complex global circumstance, which gives it a double dimension, and puts Bahrain in a responsible position within the system of preserving international peace and security. What is noteworthy in this achievement is that it coincides with an internal orientation of no less important, which is to deepen the concept of alternative sanctions as one of the aspects of developing criminal justice. The international conference, which was hosted by Manama, in the presence of international officials and human rights experts, reflected a real desire that the Bahraini experience in this field be generalized and shared, not confined to its local context. This calls for optimism, because justice that adopts man is no less important than those that protect society. The word delivered by His Excellency the Minister of Interior Sheikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, during the conference, was remarkable in its content, especially when he stressed that the alternative punishment is a reformist means that gives someone who deserves an opportunity to return. Such a speech is no longer very familiar in the region, which opens new horizons to think about alternative models for punishment, which does not cancel deterrence, but it merges it with rehabilitation. From here, the announcement of the establishment of the “Center for Excellence for alternative Penalties and Open Prisons” came as a strategic step that reflects the state’s intention to consolidate this experience, and develop it academically and training. It is a step that suggests that the project is not seasonal, but rather part of a long -term vision. The connection between what is external (Security Council membership) and what is internal (criminal reform) reflects one approach, which is that a person remains the focus of every real reform. This philosophy, which is evident in the Bahraini political discourse, represents a qualitative shift in the way the state is dealing with human rights files, not through slogans but through measurable and evaluation initiatives. What has been achieved during the past days is not the culmination of a stage, but rather the beginning of greater responsibilities. Just as Bahrain has gained the confidence of the international community in the United Nations Hall, it is seeking today to maintain this confidence by building on its human rights and development projects. There is no doubt that the alternative sanctions model represents one of the most important of these paths, because it carries positive messages regarding the redefinition of justice in a more humane way. Bahrain offers today a special approach that deserves to be monitored and analyzed, not only as a matter of admiration, but as an experience that may open up prospects for new global dialogues about the relationship between security, reform, and dignity.
