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Bahrain ‘committed to protect human rights’

MANAMA, April 17, 2015

Bahrain has criticised Amnesty International and expressed disappointment with its latest report.

The government received Amnesty’s report and is reviewing its contents, including a series of allegations and recommendations, a statement said in a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

“The government is disappointed that despite receiving Bahrain’s full co-operation during Amnesty’s visit and preparation of its report, in its hurry to publish the report for media attention, Amnesty did not reflect important clarifications provided by the government on substantial points of fact.

“This has resulted in significant shortcomings in the report. This could have easily been avoided if greater rigour and less haste had been applied.

“Bahrain is committed to protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms and has been consistently demonstrating it over recent years,” the statement said.

While the report fleetingly acknowledges the fundamental institutional and legal reforms Bahrain has undertaken in the past four years as “a significant step forward”, it glosses over highly significant strides and the work of international experts and governmental partners.

“These efforts have culminated in the establishment of several independent oversight mechanisms including an independent Ombudsman, a Prisoners’ and Detainees’ Rights Commission, a Special Investigations Unit, and a National Institution for Human Rights (NIHR). These will further strengthen legal guarantees for the protection of human rights, and ensure accountability and justice.

“These institutions gained international recognition including from the European Union, which awarded NIHR and the Ombudsman’s Office the Chaillot award for the Gulf region in 2014. These countries set high human rights standards, and Bahrain welcomes their support and endorsement,” the statement said.

Amnesty’s report also misreports Bahrain’s respect of the rights to freedom of opinion and expression and to peaceful assembly.

“These rights are protected by Bahrain’s constitution, and the government continues to uphold them robustly.

“Yet as any other responsible government, the government of Bahrain will not tolerate violent attacks or incitement to violence committed under the guise of free speech and peaceful protest.

“It is the government’s duty to protect citizens, residents, and visitors alike and the government makes no apology for doing so.

“Bahrain will respond to such attacks in accordance with its law and best international practices.

“Bahrain has a strong track record of openness to dialogue and co-operation with human rights organisations, allied countries and the United Nations. It will continue this co-operation and welcome accurate and factual reporting on developments and accomplishments in the country.” - TradeArabia News Service




Tags: Bahrain | amnesty | international | Report |

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