On 19 June 2017, ADHRB’s Advocacy Associate delivered an intervention on behalf of ADHRB during the Item 6 debate during the 35th session of the Human Rights Council. In his intervention, Pry raised concerns over Bahrain’s failure to implement its past UPR recommendations, including concerning freedom of expression, freedom of assembly, and the death penalty. Pry also highlighted several new recommendations made by states during Bahrain’s 3rd cycle UPR in 2017. Please continue reading for the full text of his intervention, or click here for a PDF of his remarks.
Mr. President,
Alsalam and ADHRB would like to highlight UPR recommendations made to Bahrain during its 3rd cycle review and Bahrain’s shortcomings in meeting its recommendations.
During Bahrain’s third UPR cycle, states again offered 176 recommendations. These recommendations were condensed from 215 statements by states representing rising concern and engagement from the international community over Bahrain’s deteriorating human rights situation.
Many of the 3rd cycle recommendations reiterated issues Bahrain has failed to address, like freedom of expression, freedom of assembly, installing institutional protections for civil society and human rights defenders, and for the country’s Shia population discrimination. The recommendations also addressed Bahrain’s expanded use of capital punishment, and its ongoing failure to comply with international human rights treaties.
A number of states raised concerns regarding alarming new developments like the government’s arbitrary revocation of Bahraini citizenship. Other states called on Bahrain to end recently heightened practices of cultural and religious discrimination, such as against the Baharna people.
Despite most states’ positive engagement during Bahrain’s third UPR cycle, Qatar, in an unprecedented move, withdrew one of its recommendations. This action undermines the UPR mechanism and sets an alarming precedent for future reviews.
ADHRB welcomes state’s positive engagement on Bahrain through the UPR process and urges them remain committed to following up to ensure implementation. We call upon the Government of Bahrain to accept and implement all of its recommendations without reservation or delay.
Thank you.
