d. The right to education during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic 109. With regard to the right to education, the NIHR took notice of the speech of His Majesty the King - may God protect and preserve him- addressed to students of schools, institutions, and universities in a video call to the “Conscious Society” program, which was broadcast on Bahrain TV on April 12, 2020, where His Majesty sent a paternal message to the students, and was reassured of their education and academic achievement, expressing his satisfaction in this regard, knowing that their academic matters are fine. 110. On a related level, the NIHR monitored the procedures and decisions related to the safety of students and educational staff, represented in the suspension of studies in all public and private higher education institutions, in addition to government and private schools for a period of two weeks, starting Wednesday, February 26, 2020, followed by a decision issued on March 5, 2020, allowing administrative and educational staff in public and private schools, public and private higher educational institutions and kindergartens - to return to work as of Sunday, March 8, 2020, in order to achieve the goals of the school year, and reduce the effects of the temporary suspension of studies in educational institutions. 111. Based on a thorough study of the developments of coronavirus (COVID19) during that period, a decision was issued on March 5, 2020, extending the period of suspension of studies in public and private schools, public and private higher education institutions and kindergartens for an additional two weeks ending on 29 of March this year. On March 17, 2020, a decision suspending studies in public and private schools, government and private higher education institutions, and kindergartens was issued, with the continuation of the work of administrative and educational staff and urging the implementation of remote work whenever the possibility exists. It also directed the Ministry of Education to take the necessary measures to prevent the educational process from being adversely affected through coordination with the concerned parties. 112. In this regard, the NIHR took notice of the order of His Royal Highness, the Prime Minister - may his soul rest in peace - dated March 29, 2020, to draw up a plan for a quick return of Bahraini students stranded abroad and ensure their return home as soon as possible to avoid any risks to them due to the outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19). 113. On a related level, the NIHR took notice of medical examinations conducted by the Ministry of Education, in cooperation with the Ministry of Health, for coronavirus for all members of the administrative, educational and technical bodies in government schools, at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Center, which continued according to a specific NIHR Bahrain- Eighth Annual Report 2020 40