Released by the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
U.S. Department of State
March 8, 2006
Bahrain is a monarchy ruled by the Al-Khalifa family since the late 18th century, with a population of approximately 710 thousand. King Sheikh Hamad Bin Isa Al‑Khalifa governs the country. His son, Crown Prince Sheikh Salman Bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, is heir apparent; and his uncle, Sheikh Khalifa Bin Salman Al-Khalifa, is prime minister. The king appoints a cabinet of ministers to help him run the government. Members of the Al‑Khalifa royal family occupy about half of the cabinet positions, including all strategic ministries. In 2002, the government adopted a constitution that reinstated a legislative body with one elected chamber, the Council of Representatives (COR), and one appointed chamber, the Shura Council. Also in 2002, citizens selected representatives to the COR in free and fair multiparty elections. The constitution provides that the king is head of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of the government. Civilian authorities generally maintained effective control of the security forces.
Released by the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
U.S. Department of State
March 8, 2006Bahrain is a monarchy ruled by the Al-Khalifa family since the late 18th century, with a population of approximately 710 thousand. King Sheikh Hamad Bin Isa Al‑Khalifa governs the country. His son, Crown Prince Sheikh Salman Bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, is heir apparent; and his uncle, Sheikh Khalifa Bin Salman Al-Khalifa, is prime minister. The king appoints a cabinet of ministers to help him run the government. Members of the Al‑Khalifa royal family occupy about half of the cabinet positions, including all strategic ministries. In 2002, the government adopted a constitution that reinstated a legislative body with one elected chamber, the Council of Representatives (COR), and one appointed chamber, the Shura Council. Also in 2002, citizens selected representatives to the COR in free and fair multiparty elections. The constitution provides that the king is head of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of the government. Civilian authorities generally maintained effective control of the security forces.
The following human rights problems were reported:
- inability to change the government
- political parties prohibited
- impunity
- restrictions on civil liberties–freedoms of speech, press, assembly, and association
- lengthy pretrial detention
- lack of judicial independence
- allegations of corruption in the judicial system
- discrimination based on gender, religion, sect, and ethnicity
- infringement of citizens’ privacy rights
- restrictions on freedom of religion and of movement
- violence against women
- trafficking
- restrictions on labor rights
For the first time, the government allowed a local human rights organization to inspect prison conditions.
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