BCHR Welcomes the Release of Environmental Activist Mohammed Jawad and Renews Call for Environmental Justice in Ma’ameer
The Bahrain Center for Human Rights (BCHR) welcomes the release of environmental activist Mohammed Jawad on 18 July 2026 after spending 100 day or arbitrary detention,
Mohammed Jawad Hameed is a Bahraini environmental activist. As a resident of Ma’ameer, a village in the Kingdom of Bahrain that is surrounded by over 130 polluting factories, industrial workshops, petroleum and petrochemical plants, Jawad became aware of environmental damage at an early age. Throughout his career, he has been engaged in drawing attention to environmental abuses in his country and region. He has been persecuted for his activism, but this has not deterred Jawad who is resolute in his demands for clean air and a healthy environment, and an end to discrimination in Bahrain.
His release provides an important opportunity to refocus attention on the long-standing environmental challenges faced by the people of Ma’ameer. For years, residents have reported severe industrial pollution, recurring toxic odors, and poor air quality that continue to interfere with their daily lives and raise legitimate concerns about their health and well-being.
The voices of Ma’ameer’s residents deserve to be heard—not silenced. Raising concerns about pollution and public health is not a crime; it is a legitimate exercise of the right to freedom of expression and participation in matters affecting one’s community. Environmental defenders play a vital role in protecting both human rights and the environment.
BCHR reiterates that the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment is increasingly recognized as a fundamental human right. Every person has the right to breathe clean air, live in a safe environment, and receive protection from environmental harm. These rights are closely linked to the rights to health, life, and an adequate standard of living.
BCHR remains deeply concerned that despite years of complaints from residents, Ma’ameer continues to suffer from industrial emissions, persistent pollution, and strong odors that require urgent and transparent action as reported again by Mohamed Jawad after his release again.
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كم تمنيت لو أن كامرتي تلتقط روائح العف�…
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We therefore call on the Bahraini authorities to:
- Conduct independent, regular, and transparent air quality monitoring in Ma’ameer and publicly release the findings.
- Investigate the sources of recurring pollution and unpleasant odors and ensure accountability where environmental standards are violated.
- Adopt effective measures to reduce industrial emissions and protect surrounding residential areas.
- Guarantee that environmental activists, community members, and residents can raise environmental concerns without fear of intimidation, reprisals, or arrest.
- Ensure access to healthcare and environmental assessments for residents who may have suffered the effects of prolonged exposure to pollution.
- Engage with local communities and independent experts to develop sustainable solutions that protect both public health and the environment.
Environmental justice is inseparable from human rights. Communities should never have to choose between living in their homes and protecting their health.
BCHR stands in solidarity with the residents of Ma’ameer and with all environmental defenders who peacefully advocate for clean air, public health, and environmental accountability. We hope that Mohammed Jawad’s release marks not only the end of his detention but also the beginning of meaningful action to address the environmental concerns he and the people of Ma’ameer have courageously brought to public attention.
Clean air is not a privilege; it is a human right. Protecting those who defend the environment is essential to protecting the rights of all.