On 12 September 2024, at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, the Bahrain Center for Human Rights (BCHR) hosted an event titled “A Decade of Human Rights in Bahrain: Assessing Developments from 2014 to 2024.”Moderated by Aoife Daly, UN Advocacy Officer at FIDH, the panel focused on evaluating Bahrain’s human rights progress and setbacks over the past decade.
The panel discussion began with a video address from Jostein Holle Kobbeltvedt, Executive Director of the Rafto Foundation. Kobbeltvedt’s remarks centered on the systemic dismantling of political opposition in Bahrain and the instrumental use of the judicial system to suppress dissent. He highlighted the case of Abdulhadi Al-Khawaja, a Bahraini human rights defender and former President of BCHR, currently serving a life sentence under harsh conditions. While acknowledging the release of some political prisoners, Kobbeltvedt emphasized that key figures like Al-Khawaja remain imprisoned. He called for sustained international pressure to secure the release of all political prisoners and to hold the Bahraini government accountable for its human rights abuses.
Next, Nedal Al Salman, Director of the Bahrain Center for Human Rights (BCHR), addressed the panel. She outlined the severe repression of freedom of expression in Bahrain, noting that dissent continues to be met with harsh penalties. Although there have been some improvements in the treatment of prisoners, including a reduction in reports of torture, Al Salman stressed that the Bahraini government’s overall human rights record remains troubling. She pointed to ongoing discrimination against marginalized groups, particularly women, and while she acknowledged the recent release of some political prisoners, she stressed that these steps are insufficient for meaningful reform. Al Salman underscored the need for an elected government to ensure equality and end systemic discrimination.
Mayssa Achek, International Advocacy Officer at the Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies (CIHRS), offered a critical evaluation of Bahrain’s human rights situation. While recognizing the release of political prisoners as a positive step, Achek argued that it represents only the bare minimum and does not reflect genuine reform. She emphasized the need for comprehensive reforms that address the root causes of human rights abuses. Achek also pointed out that the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) has largely overlooked Bahrain’s violations since 2016 and urged the Bahraini government to fully implement the recommendations from the Universal Periodic Review (UPR). She called for systemic changes to ensure the protection of all citizens’ rights.
Manon Karatas, Director of the Martin Ennals Award for Human Rights Defenders, focused on the judiciary’s role in suppressing human rights defenders and activists in Bahrain. She criticized the judiciary for imprisoning individuals exercising their fundamental freedoms and condemned the recent re-empowerment of military courts to try civilians, which is a violation of international human rights standards. Her statement concluded with a call for Bahrain to review and drop the sentences of those imprisoned for peaceful activism, in line with the recommendations of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry (BICI).
Jérôme Mangelinkx, Global Policy Manager at Penal Reform International, provided an overview of Bahrain’s criminal justice system. He highlighted significant issues, such as the mistreatment of juveniles, who are often tried and punished as adults, facing torture and severe penalties for minor offences. Mangelinkx condemned the use of the death penalty for these offences and stressed that such practices violate fundamental human rights. He called on the Bahraini authorities to reconsider the death penalty and to ensure fair and effective justice, particularly for vulnerable populations like juveniles.
After the panelists’ presentations, the floor was opened for questions. Participants engaged in a robust discussion about Bahrain’s current legislative environment, focusing on how laws are used to suppress dissent and curtail freedoms. The dialogue also explored the effectiveness of international advocacy and the role of global human rights organizations in promoting reform.
In closing, Aoife Daly reiterated the urgent need for Bahrain to advance its human rights practices. While acknowledging some positive steps, Daly emphasized that substantial progress is still required to address the systemic repression of dissent, the unfair treatment of prisoners, and the lack of accountability within Bahrain’s judicial system. She urged the international community to remain vigilant and continue applying pressure on Bahrain to meet its human rights obligations.
The event highlighted the ongoing human rights challenges in Bahrain and underscored the critical role of international advocacy in pushing for meaningful reforms.