Centre for Human Rights calls for mobilisation against sectarianism
http://archive.gulfnews.com/region/Bahrain/10116316.html
04/05/2007 11:06 PM | By Habib Toumi, Bureau Chief
Manama: The Bahrain Centre for Human Rights yesterday called for a full mobilisation against sectarianism, saying that prompt action was needed by all concerned parties.
“We urge all local human rights groups, political societies and civil society organisations to tackle the issue of sectarianism and to address ethnic tensions from all aspects and angles,” the rights watchdog said in a statement to Gulf News.
Centre for Human Rights calls for mobilisation against sectarianism
http://archive.gulfnews.com/region/Bahrain/10116316.html
04/05/2007 11:06 PM | By Habib Toumi, Bureau Chief
Manama: The Bahrain Centre for Human Rights yesterday called for a full mobilisation against sectarianism, saying that prompt action was needed by all concerned parties.
“We urge all local human rights groups, political societies and civil society organisations to tackle the issue of sectarianism and to address ethnic tensions from all aspects and angles,” the rights watchdog said in a statement to Gulf News.
The centre, now-dissolved, said the mobilisation was needed amid concerns prompted by an increase in the cases of attacks on expatriates and naturalised citizens.
“We are worried about the rise in the number of confrontations and fights involving the use of [homemade] weapons and knives between Bahraini nationals and naturalised students of Arab origin.
“The latest incident reportedly took place last week at Hamad Town boys’ school. A series of fights between the two groups has led to police intervention on several occasions, indicating the growing seriousness of the problem,” the centre said.
One pupil was reportedly injured after he was attacked with a knife by another pupil and was taken to a hospital.
“The victim’s father complained that there was an ongoing ethnic clashes in schools these days, and this is not the first such incident. Teachers have also expressed concerns and worry about intervening during incidents, for fear of being targeted themselves,” the statement said.
A similar incident occurred last month at a secondary school in East Riffa, home to several communities of Arab origin. Two students were hospitalised and eight students were taken to a police station.
“The unprecedented increase of clashes between ethnic groups among young Bahraini students is extremely disturbing. It highlights the dangers of political naturalisation.”
“We call upon Bahrain’s communities to practice tolerance and reject sectarianism, and we also urge teachers in public schools to tackle the issue in their classrooms through education and open discussions,” the centre said.