The National Institution for Human Rights (NIHR) has called on all citizens and residents to comply with the procedures and instructions issued by the competent authorities to protect the right of everyone to enjoy the highest health standards.

Health is among the most important human rights that all international covenants and conventions have been keen on upholding as it is closely linked with human life in general and daily activities within communities in particular, NIHR said.

The failure by some individuals to follow the instructions of the National Taskforce for Combating the Coronavirus (COVID-19) aimed at containing the virus may affect members of the community and deprive them of their right to enjoy good health, it added.

The NIHR said it issued the statement after learning, through newspapers and social media, about large gatherings in public places in violation of the precautionary measures and directives issued by the national taskforce.

The institution praised Bahrain's prompt and decisive moves to limit the spread of the virus through the mobilization of competent medical staff. It also lauded the highly professional and transparent way all competent authorities provided information and details about the situation in the Kingdom.

NIHR stressed it was monitoring the directives and procedures issued by the concerned authorities to promote and protect human rights in accordance with all international conventions and covenants.