H.E. Minister tells ILO Bahrain sees labour rights as economic lever
Bahrain is positioning labour rights not just as a social necessity but as a driver of economic progress, according to His Excellency Yousif bin Abdulhussain Khalaf, Minister of Legal Affairs and Acting Minister of Labour.
Addressing the 113th Session of the International Labour Conference in Geneva, H.E. Minister Khalaf said the Kingdom was committed to aligning employment policies with legal protections and social justice, in line with the vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the guidance of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
'Safeguarding workers' rights and promoting decent jobs are not just values, they are engines of development,' H.E. the minister said, reflecting on the conference theme, 'Forging the Link Between Jobs, Rights, and Economic Growth.'
Integrated reforms
H.E. the minister outlined a series of reforms and legal initiatives underway in Bahrain to protect trade union freedoms, support social dialogue, and strengthen workplace safety.
The Minister drew attention to Bahrain's Tier 1 status in the US Department of State's Trafficking in Persons Report for the seventh consecutive year, calling it an international recognition of the Kingdom's effective and proactive efforts to combat exploitation.
His Excellency Khalaf also noted the complete absence of child labour in the Kingdom, the country's anti-discrimination protections, and the rollout of updated occupational health and safety standards.
Youth and women H.E. Also stressed that Bahrain's labour vision also prioritises inclusion, with programmes aimed at increasing youth participation in the labour market and promoting the advancement of women in the workforce. Khalaf praised the report by ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo and echoed its call to see workers' rights as integral to economic resilience.
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