Hala Ramzy Fayez, Shura Council member and Deputy Head of Bahrain's Parliamentary Division delegation, participated in a meeting of the Bureau of the Standing Committee on Democracy and Human Rights, as part of the delegation's participation in the 153rd Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) General Assembly, held in the United Republic of Tanzania.
The committee's Bureau selected Fayez as rapporteur for a draft resolution to be discussed at the 154th IPU General Assembly, focusing on the role of parliaments in protecting civilians and critical civilian infrastructure in times of armed conflicts and periods of insecurity, with an emphasis on deterrence, accountability and reparations.
During the meeting, Fayez emphasised that the essence of the draft resolution lies in a fundamental principle that the international community must not overlook: protecting civilians extends beyond preventing attacks against them to safeguarding the essential conditions that enable them to live in dignity and exercise their fundamental rights.
She explained that when healthcare facilities are destroyed, water and electricity supplies are disrupted, and transport and education services cease to function, the consequences affect fundamental human rights and may persist for years after hostilities have ended.
Fayez highlighted the role of parliaments in protecting civilians through their legislative, oversight, budgetary and parliamentary diplomacy powers. She noted that these tools can help establish national frameworks that strengthen compliance with international humanitarian law, support accountability mechanisms and provide protection and necessary resources for those affected.
The Shura Council member said effective deterrence should not be limited to responding after violations occur but must begin with clear legislation and policies that ensure respect for the rules protecting civilians. She stressed that justice requires reparations and rehabilitation, with particular attention to vulnerable groups, especially children and persons with disabilities.
Fayez emphasised that the draft resolution seeks to strengthen the implementation of existing international obligations and enable parliaments to translate international humanitarian law and human rights principles into tangible protection.
She also highlighted the importance of promoting cooperation, exchanging legislative expertise and sharing best practices among parliaments to prevent violations and address their consequences.
Fayez called for adopting the draft resolution through a practical approach that would enable parliaments to play an active role in prevention, deterrence and redress, while reinforcing respect for international humanitarian law in all circumstances.