On 15th March 2024, ADHRB delivered an intervention at the United Nation Human Rights Council session 55 under item 3 during the General debate. ADHRB drawed the attention to Bahrain’s recent escalation in summoning and arresting participants in pro-Palestine protests across the country, including minors.
We draw attention to Bahrain’s recent escalation in summoning and arresting participants in pro-Palestine protests across the country, including minors.
Amidst mass demonstrations against Israel’s ethnic cleansing and genocide in Gaza, Bahrain responded by summoning and arresting hundreds of protesters, including over 50 minors aged between 14 and 17. They were charged with offenses such as illegal gathering after being subjected to numerous due process violations.
Presently, at least 29 children are facing harsh detention conditions, deprived of continuing their education, subjected to mistreatment, and denied family visits. Some detainees were forced into confessing to prepared charges.
One such example is the 17-year-old minor, Qasim Al-Sameea. Al-Sameea, who suffers from heart and breathing problems, is still on trial and is being tortured by Bahraini security officers, risking his life. AlSameea, a school student, had neither been arrested nor summoned nor wanted before his arrest.
Bahrain must stop targeting children and minors, allowing them to reunite with their families and resume their education. An impartial investigation should be initiated to address allegations of mistreatment. Additionally, we urge the Council to pressure Bahrain to respect its obligations under the Convention on the Rights of the Child, of which it is a party.
