Norwegian recommendations in UPR on Bahrain 21 May
Thank you, Mr/Madame President,
Norway welcomes the delegation of Bahrain and the presentation of the national report. We are closely following the ongoing – and worrying – developments in the country. It is of the utmost importance that the recommendations of the BICI Commission are implemented without delay, and Norway recommends that a proper timeframe is established for his purpose.
While Norway recognises Bahrain’s reform efforts, we recommend that the Government continue the reform process and ensures accountability by investigating all allegations of torture and mistreatment and by prosecuting any individuals found responsible, including senior government officials.
Further, we recommend that Bahrain unconditionally release the individuals who were convicted by special courts, or are awaiting trial, for merely exercising their fundamental rights of expression and assembly.
In particular, we recommend that human rights defenders must be protected and allowed to conduct their work without hindrance, intimidation or harassment.
Norway regrets the lack of independent media in Bahrain, and we recommend that the country strengthen the right to freedom of expression in its new Press Law, as well as allowing foreign media to enter the country and report freely.
Finally, we recommend that Bahrain enact a law providing for full citizenship rights for the children of Bahraini mothers and non-Bahraini fathers.
Thank you.
Norway’s Advance Questions for Bahrain
- Which of the recommendations from the BICI report have so far been implemented, and how will the Bahraini Government implement any remaining recommendations?
- How does Bahrain work to protect human rights defenders (whom are granted special protection under international human rights law)?
- What steps, if any, have Bahrain taken to give the children of Bahraini women and non-Bahraini fathers the right to Bahraini citizenship?