BAHRAIN

In the context of the UPR, Amnesty International has made the following recommendations to Bahrain

Normative and institutional framework of the State:

To implement through national law its obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment and the Convention on the Rights of the Child;

To explicitly prohibit torture and other ill-treatment by the police and other security forces in national legislation and in practice; to incorporate a clear and comprehensive definition of torture in national legislation in line with its obligations under Articles 1 and 4 of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment; and to ensure that all allegations of torture or other ill-treatment are independently, promptly and thoroughly investigated, and that those responsible for such abuses are brought to justice;

To ensure that all allegations of torture or other ill-treatment are independently, promptly and thoroughly investigated, and that those responsible for such abuses are brought to justice;

To agree a firm date for the visit to Bahrain by the Special Rapporteur on torture.

Protection and promotion of human rights in national legislation:

To repeal Article 6 of the law on “Protecting Society from Terrorist Acts”;

To remove restrictions on freedom of expression contained in law 32 of 2006, in line with Bahrain’s obligations under Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights;

To ensure that meetings held in private and involving a small number of people are not subject to obtaining prior official notification;

To amend or repeal Article 10(a) of law 32 of 2006 in order to allow political rallies and meetings for non-citizens;

To amend or repeal Article 10(b) of law 32 of 2006 in order to allow demonstrations for election purposes;

To strengthen the National Human Rights Institution to ensure that it functions effectively, and in full compliance with the Paris Principles;

To implement the recommendations made by the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry, set up to investigate alleged human rights abuses during recent protests, with a view to ensuring full accountability, justice and reparation for the victims of such abuses.

Excessive use of force in response to anti-government protests/torture and ill-treatment of detainees:

To instruct the police and security forces of their responsibility to respect human rights at all times; ensure that all allegations of unlawful killings and excessive force against protesters by the security forces are independently, promptly and thoroughly investigated; and bring those responsible to justice and provide appropriate reparation to victims of human rights violations and their families.

Arbitrary arrest and detention of suspected protesters:

To release all detainees held solely for participating in peaceful anti-government protests and who did not advocate violence.

Unfair trials:

To ensure that all detainees are charged with a recognizable criminal offence and receive a fair trial before normal criminal courts in accordance with international standards;

To commute all death sentences and to declare a moratorium on executions.

Harassment of human rights activists and journalists:

To cease all intimidation of human rights defenders and respect and protect the right of human rights defenders to conduct their work without hindrance, intimidation or harassment, in line with the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders.

How you can help

Donate

Join

Take Action

BAHRAIN

How you can help

AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL WORLDWIDE