Two Sides to the Story in Bahrain

There are two sides to the story in Bahrain: one relates to the Government’s attempts to improve its human rights record and amend laws and regulations through the implementation of Bassiouni’s recommendations. The second represents sometimes an exaggerated picture of the violations which have been monitored by human rights organizations, for example, continued violations, such as deaths as a result of confrontation and the use of tear gas and the excessive use of force. This situation is expected to remain so for some time in the Bahraini political scene.

Despite the existence of tangible positive steps in Government performance, its acceptance of Bassiouni’s report and the efforts of Saleh’s Commission, and some human rights violations continue to take place in Bahrain. more

The King: These Painful Events Will Not Re-Occur and Upcoming Reforms Will Fulfil Citizens’ Aspirations

Upon receiving the final report of the National Commission for implementing BICI’s recommendations, The King’s speech on 20 March 2012 raised many important issues which will shape Bahrain’s future. The speech merits close reading because it conveyed messages for all political parties, as well as international human rights and political bodies.

The first issue: turning a new page with regards to human rights violations. The King vowed once more and affirmed the commitment that ‘the painful events our beloved nation has just experienced are not to be repeated, but instead we will learn from them, and use our new insights as a catalyst for positive change”. However, turning a new page requires the mechanisms highlighted in Bassiouni’s report, such as introducing new laws and regulations, better training for the law enforcement agencies and the adoption of administrative procedures so that change is reflected practically on the ground. more

Bahrain: is Consensual Democracy Possible?

Hasan Moosa Shafaei

An article published in a number of local newspapers by the Bahrain Institute for Political Development recently drew my attention. It discusses the features and shortcomings of Consensual democracy, and concludes that adopting this kind of democracy requires social consensus and agreement.

The word consensus (and to some extent Consensual) has often been repeated during the current crisis in Bahrain. The idea of a consensus between various social components (in particular, the Shia and Sunnis) and the regime was regarded – at least by some- as the key to ending the crisis. Although political dialogue between the regime and the opposition is strongly required, it is primarily a means of reaching the desired goal of consensus in Bahrain. more

Alsaleh: Some Recommendations have already been Implemented whilst Others Need Time to be Realized

On 20 March 2012, the President of the Shura Council and the Chairman of the National Commission Ali bin Saleh Al-Saleh delivered a speech before the King, in which he explained the workings of the Commission and how it has tackled the issues under review, as well as highlighting the recommendations which have been implemented. He added that the Commission’s first steps were as follows:

1) Studying closely the recommendations of BICI.

2) Consulting with the Government and leading experts on the means of introducing suitable procedures and mechanisms, to guarantee full implementation of the recommendations. more

The BHRM Interviews the President of the National Committee

Recommendations are Being Swiftly Implemented, and National Reconciliation Remains a Priority

Many questions are being raised regarding the future of Bassiouni’s recommendations, whether in Bahrain itself, or by neighbouring Arab countries and international human rights organizations. The fact-finding phase was crucial in pinpointing various shortcomings and mistakes in order to lay the foundation for a new beginning. It should also provide us with practical solutions to allow us to rectify the current situation, and in so doing help Bahraini citizens return to normality.

The Commission performed its duties to a highly professional standard, and in the conclusion to its report suggested the necessary steps to be undertaken in order to deal with the root of the problem. more

The Implementation of Bassiouni’s:

Much has been Achieved but National Reconciliation Remains an Issue

The Chairman of the National Commission for implementing Bassiouni’s recommendations Ali bin Saleh Al-Saleh presented his final report on 20 March 2012, in order to explain Government achievements regarding the implementation of Bassiouni’s recommendations. The implementation process was a difficult one and the timeframe was very limited, so it had to be extended for an extra few weeks. The Commission was also aware that its task requires following the implementation process closely alongside with the Government, and with a great deal of professionalism and transparency.

To what extent was the Commission able to execute this task? more

Dialogue and Implementing
BICI Recommendations are
the Way-Out of the Crisis

Bahrain is still experiencing a tense political and security situation, especially after the Opposition escalated their political discourse and Sheikh Isa Qasim called for the ‘crushing’ of any security man who assaults a protesting woman.

The President of the fact-finding Committee Dr. Bassiouni was invited by the King to visit Bahrain, in order to evaluate the Government’s achievements in terms of implementing BICI’s recommendations (presented on 23 November 2011). Human rights observers, politicians and those interested in Bahraini affairs, believe that implementing the recommendations is the first step towards tackling the current political crisis, which is the root of most social and security problems. more

Government Procedures Complicate Relations with Human Rights Organisations

International human rights organisations anticipated an improvement in their relationship with the Bahraini Government, as represented by the Ministry of Human Rights. This optimism came not only as a result of Bassiouni’s recommendations, but also due to the Bahraini Government’s invitation, which allowed these organisations to attend the release of the report. Bahrain’s Human Rights Minister also met with delegations of human rights organisations, and asked them for technical assistance in implementing Bassiouni’s recommendations, whilst improving mutual relations which were badly affected during the unrest. more

International Reactions to Saleh’s Report: Affirming Political Dialogue and Welcoming Achievements

International reaction to Saleh’s report was generally positive, and called for continued transparent implementation of BICI’s report. Despite its importance in promoting trust in the political system and as an indicator of Government commitment to human rights and reforms, whilst ensuring that the mistakes of the past are never repeated, the international community did not see implementation as Bahrain’s final goal. Instead both Bassiouni and Saleh’s reports should represent the foundation and reference point for promoting human rights in the country, which would ultimately lead to a stable political system through constitutional amendments and national reconciliation. more

International Human Rights Organizations: between Bassiouni and Saleh’s Reports

Bassiouni’s report was very much concerned with the human rights aspects of the Bahraini crisis and holding those responsible for human rights violations accountable. It also provided an adequate description of the crisis, whilst presenting proposals and recommendations in order to find solutions through potential implementation.

It is unsurprising then, that local, international and regional bodies, as well as political societies and countries interested in the Bahrain, gave Bassiouni’s report a great deal of attention for a number of reasons. Some human rights organizations saw in it a confirmation of their statements and reports, whilst various political societies applauded its condemnation of the Bahraini Government, and used the report to support their positions and political demands. more

Democratic Consensual Monarchy

More than a year has passed and Bahrain’s political, social and human rights crisis continues. The Government and all segments of Bahraini society are eager to see the end of the crisis and hope recent events never reoccur. But the important question is when and how will it end?

How?

Political parties, foreign observers and researchers all have a clear idea about the way out of this crisis: first by easing tensions surrounding the most controversial issues, especially human rights, and this was the goal of both Bassiouni and Saleh’s reports. Secondly, a political settlement must be reached through national dialogue and national reconciliation.

When will dialogue and reconciliation take place? more

Concerns over Violence and the Necessity of Political Dialogue

The 14 February 2012 saw the commemoration of the unfortunate events of 2011, which resulted in the deaths of many, as well as human rights breaches and sharp social divisions. On this occasion, the Bahrain Human Rights Monitor (BHRM) issued a statement highlighting several points which represent the foundation for a solution to the current crisis.

Firstly, the BHRM stressed the necessity of implementing Bassiouni’s recommendations, as this represents one of the most important means of regaining trust between the Government and political parties despite all difficulties and challenges. The President of the BHRM Hasan Shafaei said that, although the Government has managed to address many problems, there are some recommendations which are of real cocern and interest to the human rights community, and should be dealt with swiftly. These include: the cases of detainees, doctors, dismissed workers, compensating victims and prosecuting those responsible for violations. more

Dialogue and Implementing the Recommendations are the Solutions to the Crisis

The President of the BHRM Hasan Moosa Shafaei called upon the authorities in Bahrain to facilitate the mission of the UN Special Rapportoire on Torture, who has been invited by the Bahraini Government to visit Bahrain. Shafaei believes that Bahrain needs international expertise to help it implement Bassiouni’s recommendations, improve the performance of its human rights institutions and its human rights record generally. The situation in Bahrain is being closely monitored by leading human rights organizations, especially that some areas still witnessing demonstrations, riots and human rights breaches.

Shafaei commented on the speech of the Minister of Human Rights and Social Development Fatima Al Balooshi before the Human Rights Council in Geneva on 28 February 2012, by saying that it was a relatively balanced speech. In her speech the Minister said that the Bahraini Government is serious and keen to implementation Bassiouni’s recommendations and to push forward the political dialogue. Shafaei stressed the importance of these two principles in promoting trust between various political parties, and in conveying clear messages regarding the State’s commitment to reform, transparency and adherence to internationally accepted human rights principles. more

Seminar in Geneva: Bahrain Faces Political and Human Rights Entitlements

On the sidelines of the 19th session of the Human Rights Council, the President of BHRM gave a presentation during a seminar held on 15 March 2012 on human rights in the context of the Arab spring. The seminar was headed by Dr. Loai Deeb of the Global Network for Rights & Development. Shafaei explained the features of political development in Bahrain, which started before the Arab Spring when political reforms began in 2000. This period witnessed the establishment of political and civil society organizations, parliamentary and municipal elections, and an expanded margin of freedom of expression, assembly and protest. Additionally, the period also witnessed many legislative amendments and the passing of new laws which regulate Government apparatus, until the recent protests erupted, causing a big crisis inside the regime, the opposition and Bahraini society. Public protests came as an expression of the need for more political reforms, encouraged by previous ones which were deemed insufficient, yet had whetted the public appetite to begin with. more

■ The Priority of Dealing with Human Rights Breaches

■ The OHCHR Welcomes and Criticises

■ BHRS Supports the Visit of Rapporteur on Torture

■ Compensating Victims Based on Civil Settlements

■ UNDP Facilitates National Reconciliation

■ Prosecutor General: Action against Doctors’ Torturers

BHRM Activities

The President of BHRM Hasan Moosa Shafaei met the Chairman of the National Commission concerned with the implementation of Bassiuouni’s recommendations Ali bin Saleh Al- Saleh. The meeting took place in the latter’s office in Manama. During the meeting, human rights situation, national reconciliation and the importance of following up the executive authorities’ implementation of Bassiouni’s recommendations were all discussed. Shafaei also received two copies of Saleh’s report in both languages English and Arabic.

Shafaei also met with several prominent political and human rights figurers including: the General Director of the Democratic Tribune Society and a member of the National Commission Dr. Hasan Madan, the former General Director of the Bahrain Human rights Society, and a member of the National Commission: Abdulalla Al- Drazi and the President of the Bahrain Transparency Society Abdulnabi Al- Ekri. During these meetings, political and human rights situation in Bahrain were discussed. The meetings also disscussed ways that would positively contribute to the improvement of situation and promote respect for human rights . more