5.3 NIHR shall consist of (11) members, including the Chairperson and Vice-chair, who are
recognized for competence and integrity, and shall be selected from among advisory and
academic bodies, civil society organizations, trade unions, social, economic and
professional bodies, and personalities concerned with human rights issues, and appropriate
representation of women and minorities has been taken into consideration. The institution
carries out its functions stipulated in the law of its establishment through its three standing
committees: The General Rights and Freedoms Committee, the Detention & Facilities
Visitation Committee, and the Complaints, Monitoring and Follow-up Committee.
5.4 On August 2016, the NIHR obtained accreditation status (B) from the Subcommittee on
Accreditation (SCA) of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions. Based on
those recommendations, the necessary amendments were made to the law, and DecreeLaw No. (20) of 2016 was issued amending some provisions of Law No. (26) of 2014
establishing the National Institution for Human Rights, to be consistent with the Paris
Principles related to the work of national human rights institutions.
5.5 NIHR is currently taking the necessary procedures to request its reclassification by the
SCA in light of the amendments contained in its law, and the efforts and activities made by
it in the field of promoting and protecting human rights in the Kingdom of Bahrain, hoping to
obtain an accreditation classification of category (A) during the next stage.
5.6 Recently NIHR has allocate Dr. Hooreya Hasan as a Child Rights Commissioner within
the composition of the Council of Commissioners. Her roles and competences are as
follows:
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Knowledge of the international conventions and national legislation related to
children's rights.
Considered an independent ambassador for children's rights, ensuring that their
views and interests are heard, and giving a voice to all children.
Understands the issues facing children, the policy environment, ensuring that the
best interests of the child are the primary consideration.
Work to establish partnerships with government agencies, civil society institutions,
and regional and international non-governmental organizations related to children's
rights.
Communicating with broad and diverse audiences and has the skill to challenge and
influence
The Children's Commissioner will represent the views of children and young people
and will have the desire, passion, empathy and belief in the cause of children's rights.
Investigate any matter related to children's rights, including the adequacy of
complaints and advocacy services for children.
Conduct and follow up assessments of the impact of children's rights on new policies
and legislation affecting children
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