Nations voice support for Bahrain’s human rights efforts

Manama : The Gulf Cooperation Countries (GCC) and other friendly nations have voiced support for Bahrain’s human rights efforts, opposing UN High Commissioner’s ignorance of the Kingdom’s achievement in protecting fundamental rights.

The support came in light of recent criticism against the Bahrain’s human rights conditions by the UN Human Rights Council during its 33rd Session held in the Palais des Nations in Geneva. 

Minister’s Assistant for Foreign Affairs Abdullah bin Faisal bin Jabr Al Dossari, who headed the Bahraini delegation, expressed regret over concerns expressed by the High Commissioner. 

He said the allegations are not well-founded and lack accuracy because each detainee in Bahrain is apprehended on clear legal bases and as a result of his violation of the Kingdom’s penal laws. Al Dossari added that they undergo a fair and transparent trial before the courts of the independent judiciary.

“In case of complaint from torture or ill-treatment, Bahrain has put in place mechanisms to deal with any situation and as far as Bahrain’s nationality regulations are concerned, they are in conformity with international laws,” the Assistant Minister noted. 

Support from allies

Saudi Arabia’s UN representative Faisal Tarad urged constructive dialogue with the Bahraini authorities to promote human rights.

Saudi Arabia affirmed its unwavering stance that promoting human rights worldwide does not mean imposing principles and values that contravene Islamic precepts.

Tarad pointed out that states are responsible for boosting human rights, while the role of the High Commissioner for Human Rights Office is only to help assume this responsibility while respecting their sovereignty.

Kuwait’s Permanent Representative to the UN Jamal Al Ghunaim also extended support to Bahrain.

“The model presented by Bahrain in dealing with human rights dossier deserves all the respect and they must be matched by issuing encouraging signs,” Al Ghunaim said. The ambassador stressed that Kuwait condemns terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and whatever its motives.

UAE’s Permanent Representative to UN Obaid Salem Al Zaabi voiced support to Bahrain.

“Concentrating only on the negative aspects can create a wrong impression that others may exploit to further complicate the situation in Bahrain,” Al Zaabi noted.

In this context, the only way to resolve the situation in Bahrain is through objective and constructive dialogue, not confrontational and tense language.

He called for an open, transparent and constructive dialogue between nations and the Human Rights Council (HRC), that takes into consideration the noble goals the council is striving to achieve and the interests of the nations.

Jordan’s Minister of State for Media Affairs Mohammed Al Momani extended his country’s support, adding that Jordan is confident that Bahrain would honour its commitments towards human rights and public freedoms.