Bahrain has been removed from the list of Human Rights Priority Countries (HRPC) by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), reflecting the progressive steps taken by the kingdom to promote and protect the rights of its citizens and residents.
The Human Rights and Democracy 2022 report, an annual review of the FCDO that recognises the challenges and achievements of countries, was released last night.
This year Bahrain has not been listed under HRPC, as in the previous reports, as the UK government acknowledges Manama’s efforts to protect and promote human rights, freedom of religion and the justice system.
The report covers more than 30 Human Rights Priority Countries that are reviewed periodically, taking into account their human rights situation, the trajectory of change and the UK’s ability to make a positive difference in each country.
“Bahrain has been removed from the Human Rights Priority Country list (HRPCL). I welcome this decision as it reflects constant and systematic progress in a range of human rights areas over a number of years, some of which have been directly supported by the UK,” said British Ambassador Roddy Drummond.
“The UK’s close and long-standing relationship with Bahrain continues to allow for a genuine and open dialogue on a range of areas, including human rights, and the FCDO remains committed to supporting continued human rights reforms in Bahrain.”
There were some positive global developments on security and justice issues in 2022, the report pointed out.
“Bahrain continued to expand the use of alternative sentencing legislation which was applied to 1,470 cases in 2022,” the report said.
The FCDO report released last night
“Judges can use it at the point of sentencing and all prisoners can apply for non-custodial sentences under the legislation, irrespective of time served.”
The report further praises Bahrain’s continued ‘long tradition of respecting’ and enabling freedom of religion or belief.
“Promoting the centrality of Bahrain’s message of religious tolerance, the King Hamad Centre for Peaceful Co-existence works to promote Bahrain’s tolerant approach, both regionally and further afield,” it added.
The report highlights the visit of Lord (Tariq) Ahmad to Bahrain last year, where he met officials and faith leaders, as well as Bahrain playing a key role by hosting an inter-religious dialogue in November, which included attendees such as the head of the Roman Catholic Church Pope Francis and Al Azhar’s Grand Imam Dr Ahmed El Tayeb.
The latest edition further sheds light on last year’s national elections that were monitored by Bahrain-based civil society groups.
“The elections were peaceful and orderly with an increased turnout and proportion of elected women MPs and representatives from across society,” said the report. “However, no international observers were allowed and the UK continues to encourage Bahrain to consider inviting observers for future elections.”
The report is presented to the UK Parliament by Foreign Secretary James Cleverly by command of King Charles III.
Mr Cleverly, in the report, said the overall trend was still bleak with the world more volatile and polarised.
“We have maximised the impact of all our diplomatic and development tools to protect fundamental freedoms,” he said in the report. “We make a positive and tangible impact on people’s lives around the globe every day.”
sandy@gdnmedia.bh
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