Representative Mohammed Yousef Al-Maarafi affirmed that the Kingdom of Bahrain adopts a consistent civilized approach based on consolidating the foundations of a state of citizenship and social justice, noting that this approach is rooted in respect for human rights and the preservation of basic freedoms without discrimination on the basis of gender, origin, religion or sect, explaining that the Kingdom is working to establish the highest human values that enhance the cohesion and stability of society, and sets its sights on promoting a culture of tolerance, peaceful coexistence and community peace, by rejecting all forms of division. Division and religious or racist hate speech.
This came at the conclusion of the Representative’s participation in the work of the Third Bahraini European Conference on Freedom of Religion and Belief, held in Brussels under the title “Guaranteeing Freedom of Religion and Belief: A Practice to Promote Coexistence,” during the period from 28 to 29 October, within the framework of the constructive partnership between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the European Union. Al-Marafi explained that this conference reflects the depth of the growing relations between Bahrain and the European Union, and the commitment of both sides to consolidating the foundations of constructive dialogue and mutual understanding of freedom of religion and beliefs.
He pointed out that the wise vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the country, constituted a reference for the concepts of tolerance and acceptance of others, as His Majesty emphasizes that “tolerance is a path to salvation” and rejects manifestations of intolerance and hatred. He added that this vision has resulted in qualitative efforts that have made Bahrain a global model for coexistence, most notably hosting the East-West Dialogue Forum in 2022 with the participation of the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and His Holiness Pope Francis, the launch of the Kingdom of Bahrain Declaration document in 2017, and the establishment of the King Hamad Global Center for Peaceful Coexistence, in addition to the King Hamad Chair for Dialogue and Peace at the Italian Sapienza University.
He explained that the world today faces a challenge represented by hate speech and extremism that threatens societal and international peace, stressing the necessity of adopting a comprehensive civilized vision that works to build societal immunity in the face of these phenomena, and not just condemnation.
Al-Marafi stated that the 2022 Constitution of the Kingdom of Bahrain stipulates in Article (18) that “people are equal in human dignity,” and in Article (22) that “absolute freedom of conscience is guaranteed.” Penal Code No. (15) of 1976 criminalizes incitement to religious or sectarian hatred and insulting religious symbols.
He added that the Bahraini experience embodies this commitment by ensuring the freedom to practice religious rituals and celebrations for various religions and sects, noting that the Kingdom embraces mosques, funerals, 15 churches and churches for Jews, and 5 places of worship for non-religious religions, which culminated in the United Nations General Assembly’s recognition of Bahrain’s initiative to designate January 28 as an international day for coexistence and tolerance.
Al-Maarafi concluded by emphasizing that the legislative authority continues its role in enacting legislation in support of national unity and rejecting discrimination, in addition to activating parliamentary diplomacy to enhance international understanding, calling for the development of a joint Bahraini-European road map to ensure the continued exercise of freedom of religion and belief as a tool for promoting human coexistence.
