Bahrain Institute For Political Development - BIPD Building No. 362 Road No. 3307 Block No. 333 Um Al-Hassam - Kingdom of Bahrain His Royal Highness His Majesty His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman King Hamad bin Isa Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa Al Khalifa Al Khalifa The Prime Minister of the The King of the The Crown Prince, Deputy Kingdom of Bahrain Kingdom of Bahrain Supreme Commander & First Deputy Prime Minister National Action Charter 2 National Action Charter 2020 Amiri Order No 17.of2001 With Respect to the Ratification of the National Action Charter(1) We, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Amir of the State of Bahrain, Having reviewed the Amiri Order No. (36) and (43) forming the Supreme National Committee to draft the National Action Charter, and the draft of the National Action Charter, and Amiri Order No. (8) of 2001 for inviting citizens to a referendum on the draft of the National Action Charter, and upon the decision of the Minister of Justice and Islamic Affairs No. (6) of 2001 to announce the result of the referendum on the draft National Action Charter, and upon what was confirmed to us, by the general public acceptance and overwhelming endorsement of the National Action Charter, by the result of the referendum, and as confirmation of the will of the people of Bahrain in approving the draft of the National Action Charter, which confirmed their desire to achieve a better and more prosperous future, and to open up better prospects for the future of Bahrain, which we want for a better and more beautiful future for us and the generations to come, 1- This is unofficial translation, in case of a difference between the Arabic and the English text; the Arabic text shall prevail updated on 6/4/2020. 3 Hereby order the following: First Article We ratify the accompanying National Action Charter, which our loyal people approved on the referendum dated February 14th and 15th of 2001. Second Article This order shall be published in the Official Gazette and shall be enforced from the date of its issuance. Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa Amir of the State of Bahrain Issued at Rifa’a Palace On: 22nd Dhu al-Qi’dah, 1421 Hijri Corresponding to: 16th February, 2001 A.D. 4 National Action Charter 2020 Bahrain Throughout History Civilization and Growth Since the dawn of time, Bahrain has left its footprints in the annals of civilizations. Regardless of whether the name “Bahrain” had a narrow or wider geographical definition, this archipelago is the heart of the Gulf region, where all civilizations conjured. Dilmun was the rendezvous point of the Old World extending from Sumer in Mesopotamia, to Magan in Oman moving to the Sind civilization which contributed to the prosperity of Bahrain as it became the centre of free trade and a vital port of call for the entire world over the ages. Before the dawn of Islam, Bahrain embraced diverse ideologies and beliefs, a rare example in those times. In light of such spiritual and intellectual tolerance, culture flourished, religions coexisted, and the poets of Bahrain contributed monumental works to Arabic poetry on human thought and existence; they heralded a new era for Arabs in the course of history. Bahrain was one of the first to have accepted Islam as its religion and believing in Allah wilfully. Also, Bahrain was an early, staunch supporter of Islam. It carried its banner across the Gulf down to India. Bahrain’s assets, meanwhile, became an important source of Muslims’ Treasury. (Baitulmal). Its people made early contributions to the Islamic civilization, the science of jurisprudence and language, particularly during the Caliphate 5 period. Such contribution made even more natural that Islamic value of tolerance, justice and piety have been deeply embedded into the very conscience of the people of Bahrain. The natural geography of Bahrain offered a prolific environment for human activities, covering agriculture, trade, and diving. With a very favorable geographic location and abundant resources, Bahrain was always a temptation for invaders and avaricious individuals who were met with resistance from the people of Bahrain. In light of such resistance and struggle against different foreign and regional forces, Ahmed Al Fateh was able to lead Arab forces in the last quarter of the 18th century to defeat all foreign forces and unite the country under the rule of Al Khalifa in both Zubarah and Bahrain regions. The desire of the people of Bahrain for Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa to rule of the country and to avoid foreign domination, was the first manifestation of public national will among the people of Bahrain. It has gone into the annals of history as the first oath of allegiance to a young ruler who epitomized his people’s dream of a national rule. For the next sixty-five years, this rule ensured the country’s security, maintained the cohesion of the people and their leadership and maintained its political and economic stability which led Bahrain successfully to steer into the modern era. Despite foreign powers taking an adverse stand towards calls by the people of Bahrain for Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa to constitute a Shura Council, the positive response on his part 6 National Action Charter 2020 came in line with the political awareness of the joint national movement between the people and the leadership, of the course the national action should take. Shaikh Hamad bin Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa, who succeeded his father as ruler and having the support and allegiance of his people, had realistic perspective of international conflicts. With his forward-looking approach, he paved the way in developing the country to usher itself into modern times by introducing a modern education system, an effective governmental administration, modern municipal facilities, and an appropriate legal framework in light of the country’s development following the establishment of the oil industry in Bahrain. When Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa took over as ruler in 1942 A.D., Bahrain was suffering from the Second World War and its repercussions on the Gulf region and the economic hardship, and consequentially international and regional upheavals. Nevertheless, Bahrain managed to surmount such difficulties and to continue building the State and developing its vital institutions and facilities. Furthermore, it devoted national unity, people-leadership cohesion and citizens participation in managing the affairs of the country despite the pressures of foreign forces. The reign of Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa was one with rich growth and political achievements. For he has established the State of Bahrain. He proclaimed Bahrain as an independent State with a modern institution, thus putting an end to foreign 7 ambitions and claims. In a survey conducted by a United Nations fact-finding commission, the entire people of Bahrain expressed their unequivocal resolve to protect their fatherland as an Arab independent State and renewed their oath of allegiance to Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa. In response, Shaikh Isa promulgated the constitution of the State of Bahrain that reflected true constitutional and democratic principles. Under Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, Bahrain gained its full independence as a State that upholds democracy, institutions and rule of law. The decision made by Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa on launching real constitutionalism in Bahrain through free and direct elections to form a national council under the constitution is a milestone in the history of Bahrain. The unequivocal support expressed when His Highness Shaikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Amir of Bahrain, assumed leadership, evidences the people of Bahrain’s will and support to his reign from its outset. Under His Highness’ reign, Bahrain has witnessed a vigorous leap forward to further democracy in response to people’s aspiration to a modern state that continues to enjoy security, stability and prosperity, and which has complete constitutional institutions capable of meeting the aspirations of both the leadership and the people, and where justice and rule of law reign supreme in light of these historical circumstances, the people of Bahrain are full of confidence and determination to have a bright future filled with freedom, equality, justice, 8 National Action Charter 2020 democracy and participation in governance by all. The State of Bahrain that has gained political independence through the joint perseverance by both the wise leadership and Bahrain’s faithful people, and has preserved its unity and territorial integrity, including its land and territorial waters that is not subject to compromise in any way and under any circumstances. This is expressly reflected by Article 1 of the constitution of Bahrain, which prohibited: “conceding its sovereignty or surrendering any part of its territory.” The State of Bahrain has played an active political role within the Islamic, Arab and International Community. It has manifested its unwavering belief in its role as one of the constituents of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) as well as its resolve to closely work with other member States to further galvanize the GCC system to meet the aspirations of its people. Whereas, the State of Bahrain has established a modern institution based on democracy, constitutional institutions and the rule of law since its independence; whereas, the State of Bahrain has fully assumed its full role as a State both in terms of its inter- national relations, as well as its sovereign institutions that are based on justice, equality and care