Manama, Feb. 15 (BNA): Ghada Hameed Habib, the Secretary-General of the Ombuds Office, was elected as the Regional Director for Asia on the Board of the International Ombudsman Institute (IOI), marking a significant diplomatic and human rights milestone for the Kingdom of Bahrain. She is the first woman in the area to occupy this important global role.
Bahrain achieves milestone with Ghada Hameed Habib elected IOI Regional Director for Asia
Given that the IOI is made up of more than 200 independent ombudsman institutions from around the globe, its election signifies the international acceptance of Bahrain’s position in the oversight community.
In the IOI system, where the institute’s six regional offices play strategic roles as decentralized hubs to support the work of ombudsman offices, facilitate member technical expertise exchange, draft regional regulations, and build institutional capacity, this accomplishment further solidifies Bahrain’s influence. Thus, Bahrain’s position as a leader in Asia will be crucial in forming supervision procedures and bringing them into compliance with global norms for honesty and openness.
Her Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s vision and the support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, in bolstering human rights protection mechanisms are reflected in Bahrain’s election to this significant international position, the Ombudswoman said. She pointed out that the world community and international human rights organizations now appreciate Bahrain’s experience with independent scrutiny as an inspirational model.
She added that the IOI’s regional offices will be the cornerstone for boosting oversight performance through specialized training, research, and the sharing of best practices among member nations, with her new position as Regional Director for Asia concentrating on strengthening regional cooperation.
The Ombudswoman emphasized that she will endeavor to improve Bahrain’s and Asia’s representation in the IOI’s decision-making process and to create contemporary supervision systems that improve the effectiveness of grievance offices around the continent, meeting institutional integrity and public expectations.
She also thanked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for its persistent diplomatic efforts to showcase Bahrain’s accomplishments abroad and the Ministry of Interior, under the leadership of General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, for their strong support in allowing the Ombuds Office to carry out its mission impartially and independently. She also praised the commitment and professionalism of the Ombuds Office’s members and employees and highlighted regional partners who helped make the national monitoring activities successful.
