Bahraini human rights minister meets UK ambassador in Geneva

Human Rights Affairs Minister Dr. Salah bin Ali Abdulrahman and his accompanying delegation met at the headquarters of Bahrain's permanent mission here, the Permanent Representative of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to the United Nations Office and other international organizations here Ambassador Ms. Karen Pierce. Dr. Salah praised the advanced level of bilateral relations and the existing cooperation between them through the Bahraini-British Joint Committee, citing the support provided by the UK to Bahrain in the field of human rights. He informed the UK Ambassador about the recommendations of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry (BICI) and the Government of Bahrain's serious desire to implement them. He noted that the implementation process depends on the nature of each recommendation, and listed the already implemented ones. He highlighted the recommendations of the National Assembly, affirming that they were adopted following the repeated popular demand to issue them in order to address the increase of acts of violence and terrorism which targeted public and private property and posed a threat to the safety of citizens and residents using various means. He explained that the National Assembly's recommendations tackled many topics, including the emphasis on the need to protect rights and basic liberties, continue the National Consensus Dialogue, preserve national cohesion, launch rehabilitation programmes for youths exploited in criminal acts, adhere to a discourse of moderation in order to safeguard the deep-rooted fabric of the Bahraini society, and re-consider the educational policies. He added that some recommendations focused on legislative recommendations for the aim of toughening penalties on those who commit terrorist acts. He pointed out that a Royal Decree stipulating the establishment of a Commission of the Rights of Prisoners and Detainees whose members, he said, would be nominated by the Secretary-General of the Ombudsman and the National Institution for Human Rights. He emphasized Bahrain's continuous cooperation with UN human rights mechanism, stressing that the kingdom has not cancelled the visit of the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment or Punishment or that of the technical team of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, noting that the visits have been postponed in order to choose the most appropriate time. He added that the National Consensus Dialogue enjoys top priority in Bahrain, which, he stressed, should be taken into consideration. He underlined that Bahrain is not afraid of the visits of special rapporteurs and has nothing to hide, noting that the kingdom received BICI and accepted its recommendations. Regarding the Justice Minister's recent edict, the Minister explained that it is no more than an administrative mechanism on regulating the political associations' communication with diplomatic missions and international organisations, and it is not meant to restrict their movement or meetings. On her part, Ambassador Ms. Karen Pierce welcomed the kingdom's delegation's participation at the meetings in Geneva, adding that the move testifies to Bahrain's interest in human rights and serious desire to honour its international commitments in this regard.