Allegations against Bahrain prisoners misleading, lack credibility: NIHR

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

The National Institution for Human Rights (NIHR) yesterday categorically denied all allegations made against the situation of inmates and detainees in the Kingdom as “misleading” for want of “credibility”.

The rights agency was responding to allegations and media statements made on the human rights situation in the Kingdom by some non-governmental organisations abroad and aired by the Qatari Al-Jazeera satellite channel.

Terming the allegations as “misleading, NIHR called on the NGOs to adhere to professionalism and contact independent entities in the Kingdom, particularly the NIHR, to verify the accuracy of their claims.

NIHR expressed its readiness to cooperate with all parties and organisations to uncover the truth and protect human rights.

The allegations, NIHR said, lacks “credibly, evidence and objectivity”, citing the regular announced and unannounced visits it makes to the reformation, rehabilitation and detention centres to review the situation of inmates.

The government led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister is committed to protecting the health and safety of everyone, NIHR statement said.

“This was evident during the pandemic in the form of wide-ranging stimulus packages and well-thought-out pre-emptive precautionary measures launched by the government.”

“Such organisations and the Qatari media constantly ignore Bahrain’s achievements, legislation and laws that protect and guarantee the rights of the citizens and residents. They also overlook the existence of a bicameral National Assembly while speaking about democracy and political participation in Bahrain.”

“The human rights protection process in Bahrain will continue unabated,” said NIHR statement highlighting the role played by the Supreme Council for Women in empowering women, and ensuring gender equality.

The rights agency also expressed surprise at the attitude of the organisations in turning a blind eye to violations committed by Qatari authorities against Bahraini fishermen which contravene all human rights standards and the International Human Rights Law.

In this regard, the NIHR renewed its strong condemnation of the continuous Qatari targeting of fishermen and seafarers in the territorial waters of Bahrain.

The NIHR also expressed deep concern over the silence of NGOs and slammed them for making misleading media statements. The NIHR further renewed its call to such organisations to adhere to the values and principles of human rights, and remain committed to the UN standards and regulations.

The agency affirmed that it deals firmly with any violations related to human rights following the terms of reference entrusted to it in the law, and in a manner consistent with the obligations of the Kingdom to relevant international agreements.