Bahrain Appears Before UN Universal Periodic Review: “Grave” Concerns
 

24-05-12 05:40 PM

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24 May 2012
(BCHR - Copenhagen) – UN member states expressed strong concerns over Bahrain’s human rights record during the second cycle of their Universal Periodic Review (UPR) in Geneva on Tuesday. The United States and the United Kingdom issued statements which included particularly deep concerns in regards to the detention of peaceful protesters, the lack of transparency in the court system and the general increase in violence.
The regime in Bahrain remains in denial that they have detained any prisoners of conscience. Direct questions went unanswered in regards to the situation of Abdulhadi Al Khawaja, Nabeel al Rajab, and the twenty medical professionals who were detained following peaceful, pro-democracy, manifestations. *


Many member states also expressed strong concerns*regarding the lack of progress made towards realizing the recommendations made by the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry (BICI). These recommendations were submitted to the King in November 2011 in a report which confirmed that the regime committed serious human rights violations during their efforts to suppress pro-democracy protests since February 2011. The regime in Bahrain insists that the recommendations in the report have been accepted, but that their implementation will take time; many member states expressed the opinion that this progress is too slow or all together lacking.

The Bahrain Center for Human Rights shares these concerns and stands with the large body of member states who expressed their disappointment over the continuing human rights abuses in Bahrain. Among the recommendations made during the UPR second cycle were to create a more transparent judicial system, a well-trained police force, a free press, a safe environment for NGOs and human rights activists as well as the immediate release of all prisoners of conscience. 

Read full report on the UPR session 
Contact:
For general comments or inquiries about the BCHR, please email: info@ bahrainrights.org.
Further questions may be directed to:
Maryam Al-Khawaja, Acting President:
[email protected]
Tel: +4581757959
For documents from the UN relating to the Universal Periodic Review Second Cycle for Bahrain, see:
www.ohchr.org


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