Human Rights Watch Visits Bahrain

On 2 February, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Nazar Al Baharna met with a delegation from Human Rights Watch (HRW) led by the Deputy Director of the Middle East and North Africa division of, Joe Stork. The visit came as part of several visits by HRW to a number of official and public bodies in Bahrain. During the meeting, discussions revolved around issues such as: the law concerning freedom of movement for foreign workers, the National Foundation for Human Rights, which has recently been established, and the participation of HRW in training programs.

According to local newspapers, the delegation praised the steps taken by Bahrain regarding human rights. It also commended the Universal Periodic Review for Human Rights’ annual report. The delegation referred to the cooperation they received from all concerned parties at both the Government and public levels during their visit. Mr. Stork and delegation also met with the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Abdullah Abdulatif, and discussed Bahrain’s efforts in combating human trafficking.