Bahrain’s human rights report lauded

The Assistant Foreign Minister, Abdulla bin Faisal bin Jabur Al Doseri affirmed the success of the Kingdom of Bahrain and the international praises in submitting and reviewing its national human rights reports to the UN Human Rights Council mechanisms in Geneva and its keenness to cooperate constructively with the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review of Human Rights, The Committee against Torture and other mechanisms in accordance with the principle of interactive communication and constructive dialogue that contributes to the achievement of common humanitarian objectives of Bahrain and the UN mechanisms related to the promotion and protection of human rights. 
This came after the 27th session of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review of Human Rights, held from 1 to 12 May 2017, on the discussion of the reports of 14 States in the third round of the Working Group, where Bahrain was the first country to present and review its third national report. 
The 60th session of the Committee Against Torture, which took place from April 18 to May 12, 2017 discussed the reports of 6 parties to the Convention, including the discussion of the second and third national reports of the Kingdom of Bahrain under the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. 
The Assistant Foreign Minister affirmed the commitment of Bahrain to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms, which stems from the reform approach of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, who laid the principles of promoting and protecting human rights in a democratic civil society seeking security, safety, development and justice for all and in the framework of the national action Charter, the Constitution and national legislation in accordance with the international Kingdom of Bahrain's obligations and government policy and programs towards security, justice, welfare and vision of economic 2030 community as well as the determination of the Kingdom to legislatively and politically build on these achievements. 
Bahrain was praised on the presentation of its third national report, which won the admiration of 75 out of 83 countries (90%) of the countries that gave their statements and praises on the issuance of many advanced legislation and laws that sponsor civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights according to International standards and the establishment of mechanisms for the protection of human rights, as well as the promotion of educational, information and training programs to spread the spirit of tolerance and moderation in society and to make a number of voluntary recommendations which Bahrain is seeking to achieve in the coming years. 
A number of countries assessed the challenges and difficulties facing the Kingdom in order to achieve its goals in the interference in its internal affairs, the growth of terrorism, intellectual extremism and violence that threaten lives and obstruct government programs in achieving sustainable development, security and prosperity. 
The Kingdom received the second lowest number of recommendations among 14 countries after the Kingdom of Finland, which received 153 recommendations while the Kingdom of Bahrain received 175 recommendations, Ecuador received 183 recommendations, Tunisia 248 recommendations, Morocco received 244, and Indonesia 225 recommendations. 
The United Kingdom received 227 recommendations while India received 250 recommendations, Brazil 248 recommendations, the Philippines 257 recommendations, Algeria 229 recommendations, Poland 185 recommendations, the Netherlands 203 recommendations and finally South Africa received 243 recommendations. 
In 12 May 2017, the Committee Against Torture issued its concluding observations on the second and third reports of Bahrain, submitted and discussed on 21-24 April under the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, the concluding observations were divided into three sections , The first section contains an introduction which includes welcoming the interactive dialogue with Bahrain and the information and clarifications provided on a number of topics and issues related to the Convention against Torture and the work of the Committee. 
The second section covered the positive legislative and procedural aspects adopted by the Kingdom of Bahrain in promoting laws and policies that protect human rights, and the third section covered a number of topics of concern to the Committee in submitting its observations and recommendations. 
The Committee welcomed the accession of the Kingdom to international conventions in the field of human rights, and the review and harmonization of Bahrain for some of their national legislation relevant to the Convention against Torture. 
The Committee praised a number of Bahrain’s achievements, including the amendment of Articles 208 and 232 of the Penal Code concerning the recognition of the crime of torture and the non-exhaustion of the crime of torture in accordance with the articles of the Convention against Torture, as well as the promulgation of the Law of Reform and Rehabilitation Corporation No. 18 of 2014 To allow a detainee and a lawyer who represents him in criminal or civil cases to meet in regard of such cases in accordance with the procedures and controls prescribed by the Regulations. 
The Committee also welcomes the initiatives of the Kingdom to amend its policies, programs and administrates according to the Convention against Torture, including the establishment of the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking and the establishment of the National Fund to compensate those affected, as well as the issuance of the police code of conduct. 
During the discussion of these reports, the Assistant Foreign Minister indicated that the delegation of the Kingdom of Bahrain has submitted replies to all questions and topics raised in a comprehensive and objective manner. 

Source: BNA