Mutual respect

Steps are being taken to open up a platform for debate for people caught up in the aftermath of last year’s unrest and to help them work and live together in harmony.

The Bahrain Foundation for Reconciliation and Civil Discourse (BFRCD), a non-profit organisation, aims to promote the exchange of ideas and values across all segments of Bahrain’s communities.

The foundation is a means of aiding the country to work towards unity, regardless of their age, race, gender or sect through public events and workshops endorsing mutual respect, particularly amongst youngsters.

Founder and chairman of the BFRCD, Suhail Ghazi Algosaibi, said: “A lot of people have lost faith in Bahrain but they all have a common love for it. We are trying to bring these people together.”

Last night’s first initiative involved a lecture by internationally-acclaimed public speaker Peter Sheridan, the chief executive of Co-operation Ireland, a non-political and non-denominational charity dedicated to peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

“With Peter Sheridan I hope to show that, although there are differences between the problems in Ireland and Bahrain, they are still models to follow as there are also plenty of similarities,” explained Mr Algosaibi.

“The biggest danger is our children. Early interventions are needed for the youth as they are being raised with hatred. Their minds are being brainwashed and they need to grow up without this extreme hatred.

“I am optimistic by nature and believe that the BFRCD will reduce the divide between the people in the country.”

Mr Sheridan’s talk set out some of his experiences during 30 years of sectarian conflict in Northern Ireland and the challenges he faced helping to build the peace in a divided society.

He focused on the importance of bringing together and building a society that understands that no-one is excluded from opportunity and all are encouraged to participate, progress and prosper.

The BFRCD has the full support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander, and has been registered by the Ministry of Social Development.

Further events and plans will be regularly announced on www.bfrcd.org