UN Universal Periodic Review – Polishing Royal Horse-shit to shine as progress on Human Rights

Looks like Royal Horseshit to me; Its basically another part of a horrible failed and easily manipulated system that uses ‘Harvard Business School’ methodologies as a means to ‘implementation’ and ‘certification’ of Human Rights compliance. In support of a system of lies that leverages ‘Human Rights’ as a tool to support ‘wicked’ agendas for profiteering from arms sales and securing ‘cheap oil’ at the expense of the suffering of people subject to the tyranny partnerships of greed and exploitation. Phlipn.

Human Rights Council
Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review Thirteenth Session
Geneva, 21 May–4 June 2012
Draft report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review
Bahrain

Excerpted
Summary of the proceedings of the review process

A. Presentation by the State under review

5. The Head of delegation expressed Bahrain’s appreciation to the Council and to the
international organizations of the United Nations for the support provided to the Kingdom,
especially thanked the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, for the program
on the Universal Periodic Review during the past four years, which contributed effectively
to enhance the capacity of the concerned authorities regarding the implementation of
commitments and recommendations of the UPR, and hoped to continue this fruitful
cooperation and support in the future.

6. Bahrain reminded that it is the first member state in the Human Rights Council to
undergo the periodical review in 2008. Having 565 NGOs as in early 2012, Bahrain
reviewed the current second report including achievements realized with partnership of all
concerned entities including governmental, non-governmental organizations as well as the
activists from civil society.

7. The delegation stated that the past four years were full of events and developments
that much was documented in the advancement of human rights at various levels, and the
Kingdom does not pretend to be perfect and free from some of the obstacles that hinder the
implementation of the recommendations and commitments, but with determination and will
of honest work Bahrain will overcome these constraints.
A/HRC/WG.6/13/L.4
4

8. Major achievements have been reviewed during the past 4 years, starting with
education. Bahrain pays full attention to this sector, commits and provides educational and
cultural services to citizens as a right, prescribed in its constitution and education law.
Education For All Global Monitoring Report for 2011 showed that Bahrain is among states
of high performance achieving the EFA’s goals.

9. The delegation informed of the National Strategic Plan for Human Rights Education
that was reviewed based on the commitment in 2008, and a plan was developed to
encourage a human rights culture. A special subject on human rights has been included in
the citizenship course for all classes at different levels of education.

10. The delegation stated that the constitution of Bahrain provided for the right of all
citizens to enjoy equal health standards, without discrimination. In support to such right, the
Ministry of Health prepared developmental programs and plans in collaboration with the
World Health Organization and the government bears the full expenses of treatment
whenever it is inaccessible locally.

11. The delegation stated that Bahrain women have assumed leading positions and
proactive steps have been taken to involve them in activities alongside men. Bahraini
women are being empowered to be further involved in decision-making, leading and
ministerial positions, as well as in the private sector, civil society institutions and political
associations. The establishment of the Supreme Council for Women in Bahrain is a
milestone in the process of women empowerment. The Council is in process of studying the
removal of reservations on the Convention on Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination
against Women or amend them so as to be consistent with national legislation and laws
while preserving the sovereignty of the state.

12. In respect of the nationality, the delegation informed of the discussions currently
underway on proposed amendments to the nationality law, in order to grant Bahraini
nationality to children of Bahraini women who are married to a non-Bahraini husbands,
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