Latest news with #OsamabinSalehAlAlawi


Daily Tribune
16 hours ago
- Politics
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain enhances rights of persons with disabilities
The Kingdom of Bahrain is committed to enhancing the rights of persons with disabilities. This was emphasised by His Excellency Osama bin Saleh Al Alawi, Minister of Social Development and Chairman of the 44th session of the Council of Arab Ministers of Social Affairs, as he chaired a meeting of Arab ministers and heads of delegations held on the sidelines of the 18th Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (COSP18) at the United Nations headquarters. Al Alawi said this commitment is reflected in policies and legislation that ensure dignity and full integration into society, alongside ongoing support for collective Arab efforts in this domain. He highlighted the vital role played by the United Nations in advancing disability and social development issues. The minister commended the fruitful partnership between the organisation and Arab states. Regional cooperation Al Alawi emphasised the importance of regional cooperation and the exchange of successful experiences, calling for intensified joint Arab efforts to support the rights of persons with disabilities and develop comprehensive and sustainable responses, while ensuring adherence to relevant international commitments. He expressed appreciation to the General Secretariat of the Arab League, represented by its mission to the United Nations, for organising this meeting


Daily Tribune
08-04-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Only four charity fundraising requests turned down in two years
TDT | Manama Only four applications to raise money for charitable causes were turned down in Bahrain over the past two years, with the Ministry of Social Development approving 425 requests during the same period. The figures were shared by Social Development Minister, His Excellency Osama bin Saleh Al Alawi, in response to a question from MP Basema Mubarak, who had asked how fundraising licences are issued and what procedures are followed. In 2023, 215 licences were granted and one application was rejected. The following year saw 210 approvals and three refusals. Licences are issued under Decree-Law No. 21 of 2013, which gives the ministry 30 days to respond to a request. Decision That decision is made after seeking input from other government bodies depending on the purpose of the fundraising. By the end of January this year, 207 licences remained active. All had been issued to civil society organisations registered with the ministry. Applicants must begin by opening a separate bank account to hold the collected funds. Application The next step is to file an application through the ministry's online portal, including all required documents such as confirmation from the bank that the account has been opened. 'Once the application is submitted, we check the details against the rules and consult the relevant authorities. If all is in order, a ministerial decision is issued,' Al Alawi said. The ministry keeps records of each licence, including those refused, along with the reason for any rejection. Applicants are informed in writing, and the bank is contacted to activate the fundraising account. Scrutiny Al Alawi said the process includes several layers of scrutiny. The ministry works with financial and security bodies to confirm that the source and use of the funds are lawful. Once a licence expires, the organisation must submit a full audited financial report. This is reviewed by the relevant department at the ministry.


Daily Tribune
07-04-2025
- Politics
- Daily Tribune
Shura Council backs expansion of alternative sentencing on way to rehabilitation
Over 8,000 convicts have been spared jail time under Bahrain's alternative sentencing law. Now the Shura Council has agreed to extend its scope, approving changes to the legislation during its session yesterday and passing the bill to the Prime Minister. The draft, tied to Royal Decree No. 96 of 2024, amends Law No. 18 of 2017. It proposes new forms of non-custodial punishment, sets out a single body to manage enforcement, and grants the Interior Minister power to decide where such sentences may be carried out. Justice, Islamic Affairs and Waqf Minister, His Excellency Nawaf bin Mohammed Al Maawda, and Social Development Minister, H.E. Osama bin Saleh Al Alawi, attended the debate. Final vote A final vote was taken in the same sitting, with the bill now on track to reach His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. Ali Al Aradi, rapporteur for the committee handling the matter, said the changes aimed to keep up with shifts in working life and to improve how sentences are put into practice. 'This will help those affected to find their footing again,' he said. Al Maawda told the chamber that each case is weighed up carefully. Behaviour 'Every file comes with a report, and each person is assessed by those in charge of security, as well as staff inside the correctional facility. Their behaviour inside the prison is taken into account,' he said. 'There are ways of checking if someone has gained anything from their time on an alternative sentence. No one walks out the door unless they've ticked all the boxes and proved ready.' During the discussion, Shaikh Ahmed Al Khalifa questioned the match between the new types of sentence and the nature of the offences. 'Is the replacement really fair in light of the crime?' he asked. He also wanted to know if those under review are given proper assessments, not just in terms of behaviour, but their state of mind and health. Support He noted that many departments had supported the proposed changes. 'This offers a way back. It gives those sentenced to jail a chance to be part of society again.' Dr Ali Al Rumaihi, who chairs the Foreign Affairs, Defence and National Security Committee, said 8,278 people had already benefitted from the existing law since it came into force in 2018. 'The idea has been put to work here more than in most places across the region,' he said. 'These changes will make it clearer who is in charge of what, and will widen the use of these sentences.' Input Dr Jehad Al Fadhel, Second Deputy Chairwoman of the Council, said the law had evolved with input from the Ministry of Interior, based on how it has played out on the ground. 'The thinking has changed. Prisons here are not just holding pens. The purpose is to put people back on their feet.' She added that some of the planned penalties involve treatment in mental health clinics. Villain 'That shows a grasp of the fact that not everyone behind bars is a villain. Some need help, not a cell.'


Daily Tribune
04-04-2025
- Politics
- Daily Tribune
Al Alawi attends global summit
Al Alawi attends global summit Berlin His Excellency Osama bin Saleh Al Alawi, Minister of Social Development, participated in the official opening of the 2025 Global Disability Summit, jointly organised by the International Disability Alliance, the Federal Republic of Germany, and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. The summit was held in Berlin. The event brought together representatives from governments, international organisations, and civil society, aiming to promote inclusion and justice for persons with disabilities globally.


Bahrain News Gazette
25-03-2025
- Politics
- Bahrain News Gazette
Social Development Minister Highlights Bahrain's Leading Role in Youth Empowerment
Manama: Osama bin Saleh Al Alawi, Minister of Social Development, highlighted that the vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa has positioned the Kingdom of Bahrain as a leading model in youth support and empowerment. He noted that this strategic approach has laid the foundation for involving youth in national development initiatives. According to Bahrain News Agency, the minister praised the efforts of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for launching programs that enable youth participation across various sectors. These initiatives are designed to align with national strategies and help young people achieve their goals. The minister also acknowledged the contributions of His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty the King for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs, and His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, First Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, in enhancing the role of Bahraini youth on both local and international stages. Their efforts have driven progress in the youth and sports sectors. Al Alawi emphasized that Bahraini youth are poised to contribute significantly to national development, supported by an environment that nurtures innovation and engagement. He stressed the importance of continued cooperation to achieve further national progress, aiming to make Bahraini youth a global example in leadership and creativity.