The EU recognises the challenges that Bahrain faces as well as the progress made with the establishment of a number of institutions designed to enhance the protection of human rights in the country. The EU encourages the Government of Bahrain to aim for stability through further reforms and inclusive reconciliation in an environment where peaceful political grievances can be expressed freely, and where violence has no place. The human rights situation has deteriorated on many fronts over the past year, in particular cases of revocation of nationality, increased restrictions on civil society and the dissolution of Al Wefaq. The EU calls upon all parties to engage in an inclusive dialogue and condemns the use of violence as a political instrument. We greatly regret the authorities’ recent decision to resume executions, urging Bahrain once again to establish an official moratorium on the death penalty.
Read the entire statement here.