A comprehensive dossier released by Bahrain’s main rights watchdog yesterday has recommended taking legal action against Iran by dragging it to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague.
It also urges for the setting up a National Reparation and Compensation Fund for affected persons or entities recovered through Tehran’s frozen assets.
The National Institution for Human Rights (NIHR) released its report documenting Iran’s hostile aerial attacks that have resulted in fatalities, affected families, individuals, businesses and targeted civilian and vital infrastructures initially between February 28 and June 11.
The first-of-its-kind report studies the impact of the aggression, which is still ongoing, on human rights and fundamental freedoms.
It is compiled by a team from the rights body that conducted field visits, a study of official data, statements and statistics, conducted interviews and media coverage.
“The NIHR team compiled this report over a period of months to document the Iranian attacks,” NIHR chairperson Ali Alderazi told the GDN yesterday on the sidelines of a Press conference held at the watchdog’s Seef district headquarters.
“We have already submitted our report to His Majesty King Hamad, and will also send it to His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and other international organisations.
“Now it’s up to the concerned ministries within their jurisdictions to use this report accordingly for lobbying on global platforms.”
Mr Alderazi said the systematic Iranian violations targeting Bahrain have not stopped, and they remain open and positive to work on a second edition of the report that will document on-going attacks since June 11.
The official said the NIHR is part of the Global Alliance for Human Rights, which is a major multi-stakeholder coalition convened by the United Nations Human Rights Office (OHCHR) to mobilise leadership and rebuild trust in human rights.
“We will submit our report to the UN and OHCHR so they get a clear picture of the ground reality here.”
The dossier monitors the impact of the attacks on 11 human rights and fundamental freedoms, namely:
- the right to life
- the right to education
- the right to liberty and personal security
- the right to health
- the right to work
- the right to freedom of movement and travel
- the rights of priority-care groups
- the right to an adequate standard of living
- the right to a healthy environment
- digital rights
- cultural rights.
The NIHR report also proposes an action plan.
It includes the setting up a regular car ferry service linking Bahrain with neighbouring states as an alternative national plan to ensure the continuity of travel, movement, evacuation and essential supplies in cases of closure or disruption of airspace or land routes.
It also suggests continuing to strengthen early warning systems and civilian protection by developing response systems, intensifying public awareness campaigns on safety and evacuation procedures, and ensuring that official alerts and instructions reach all residents through diverse technological and media platforms, thereby reducing casualties during crises and attacks.
sandy@gdnmedia.bh
&uuid=(email))