THERE has been a significant drop in the number of human rights complaints received from people in Bahrain last year.
Only 80 cases were recorded by the country’s human rights watchdog last year compared to 109 in 2018, registering a 26.6 per cent fall.
The National Institution for Human Rights (NIHR) added it had received 141 complaints in 2017 and 150 in 2016.
A graph shows the total number of complaints and requests for legal assistance received and the number of cases monitored by the NIHR last year
Hotline
Grievances can be registered via the NIHR hotline, 80001144, or by walking into its headquarters in Seef District.
“The NIHR team investigated 80 complaints last year, relating to different alleged violations,” NIHR chairwoman Maria Khoury told the GDN.
“Compared to the previous years, the number of complaints reflected a drop; however, several of these grievances were referred for legal assistance.”
She added that the watchdog registered 363 requests for legal assistance last year, while receiving 1,277 calls on its hotline.
In addition, the social media monitoring unit of the watchdog followed up 67 cases based on social media posts by people.
“Public confidence in the NIHR remains high and we continue to see major developments in the field of human rights.”
Ms Khoury cited the case of royal amnesty being granted to 269 prisoners last month and 530 convicts being sentenced to alternative punishments.
“This is a major step in promoting human rights and helps rehabilitate prisoners into a stable society.
“This year, we will continue working on a wide range of issues including monitoring trials and prison visits.”
A number of visits to prisons has been scheduled, she said adding that the NIHR teams will conduct surprise checks and interact with prisoners.
“Last year, our teams made more than 20 prison visits covering different facilities, identified a number of issues and this was communicated to authorities.”
The rights watchdog team also sat through 35 court trials last year.
“Our teams will continue to attend court sessions to ensure a fair trial for the defendants, a right guaranteed in our Constitution,” said Ms Khoury.
Meanwhile, the NIHR last month launched a national campaign to ensure that public places and facilities are special needs people friendly.
This will involve monitoring public places and buildings to ensure people of determination have easy access to facilities such as parking and toilets.
The NIHR was formed by His Majesty King Hamad in 2009 to work with state agencies on the drafting of Bahrain’s rights reports, hold conferences and workshops and promote human rights.
sandy@gdn.com.bh
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