Responses to NIHR’s Report

His Majesty the King of Bahrain praised the achievements and activities included in the National Institution for Human Rights (NIHR)’s report, aimed at promoting and developing human rights. HM stressed on the importance of consolidating and disseminating awareness of human rights. The King also emphasized that Bahrain is committed to all treaties and international laws pertaining to human rights and that establishing such rights in the community and the state is a top priority.

For his part, the Crown Prince highlighted the role of specialized national human rights institutions which undertake the responsibility of evaluating and monitoring the implementation of human rights standards, in an effective manner. HRH attributed the effectiveness of such national institutions to their complete familiarity with the specificity of local affairs and the appropriate manner of dealing with them.

The Crown Prince noted that the NIRH report included a significant, objective and comprehensive documentation of its functions in the context of full autonomy; evident and transparent cooperation as well as effective communication with the specialized organizations and bodies both internally and abroad. HRH also noted that the report involved monitoring, coordination and continuous follow-up with the official authorities and bodies, and hence it is possible to build on its recommendations.

His Royal Highness the Prime Minister, called on NIHR members to “Stand up for human rights, particularly the right of the Bahraini citizens to live without fear of terrorism and saboteurs” and “the right of your country to enjoy security and stability”; pointing out that Bahrain has enhanced its cooperation with all international human rights organizations that share the same sincere orientation to build nations rather than seeking a pretext to disseminate fallacies.

For his part, the Minister of the Interior noted the development and upgrading programmes adopted by the Ministry with respect to human rights and directed the Ministry officials to reply, in the shortest time possible, to the items mentioned in the report concerning the activities of the Interior Ministry. The Minister stressed the Ministry’s keen interest to cooperate with the NIHR in improving the local human rights situation.

The US Ambassador in Bahrain, Thomas Krajeski, described the NIHR report as an important step for the promotion of human rights in the Kingdom. He expressed his admiration of the significant details included in the report, covering various aspects of human rights. The ambassador also looked forward to the implementation of the important recommendations included in the report, because that is the next important step in this matter.

Washington’s ambassador to the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC), Keith Harper, welcomed the report stressing support for its recommendations on the investigation into allegations of torture and abuse, as well as continuing reforms. During his speech before the International Human Rights Council, he encouraged all peaceful forces in Bahrain to exert more effort; to make concessions and to achieve real progress in the political process and reform.

Moreover, the German Government’s Commissioner for Human Rights, Christoph Strässer, described the NIHR’s report as an important document for the Bahraini human rights situation, and attributed this to the report’s openness, transparency and candour. Thus, he believes, it could become an important reference for achieving social harmony in the long term.