Mixed Signals from Nominee for US Ambassador to Bahrain

12 September 2017 – The United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations (SFRC) this morning held a hearing to consider the nomination of Justin Hicks Siberell to be the new Ambassador to Bahrain. While it remains deeply concerning that the Trump Administration, SFRC Chairman Senator Bob Corker (R-TN), and now the nominee to serve as[…]

ADHRB condemns US $3.8b arms sale to Bahrain amid human rights crisis

12 September 2017 – On Friday, 8 September 2017, the United States (US) Department of State notified potential foreign military sales (FMS) to the Government of Bahrain totaling approximately $3.8 billion. The sales include 1) two 35-Meter Fast Patrol Boats at an estimated cost of $60.25 million; 2) 19 F-16V aircraft with support at an[…]

ADHRB Praises HC Zeid for Concerns Raised on Bahrain at HRC 36

11 September 2017, Geneva – This morning, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra’ad Zeid al-Hussein presented his oral update to the 36th Session of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC 36) titled “Darker and more Dangerous.” In his report to the Council, the High Commissioner again raised concerns over the deteriorating human[…]

UN Human Rights Experts Communicate “Grave Concerns” over Bahrain

5 September 2017 – Today, seven Special Procedures of the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) released two recent communications sent to the Government of Bahrain raising concerns about ongoing human rights abuses. These communications addressed allegations of widespread thematic abuses, including violations of the right to life, the right not to be subjected to[…]

Bahrain Launches Renewed Reprisal Campaign Ahead of HRC36

6 September 2017 – The Government of Bahrain has launched a renewed campaign of reprisals against Bahraini civil society actors ahead of the 36th Session of the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council (HRC), set to begin on Monday, 11 September 2017. Over the last several days, human rights defenders Fatima al-Halwachi and Zainab al-Khamees;[…]