Bahrain’ brutal regime called to account at (UPR) Human Rights Council in Geneva on 21 May

Bahrain must commit to accountability at Universal Periodic Review
17 May, 2102 – Amnesty Australia

The Bahraini government must commit to releasing prisoners of conscience and ensuring true accountability for the human rights violations committed since February 2011, Amnesty International said, ahead of Bahrain’s review before the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group of the Human Rights Council in Geneva on 21 May.

Bahrain was the very first country to undergo a UPR process four years ago and on that occasion the government engaged very constructively, including by making numerous voluntary commitments and by responding positively to recommendations to take measures to address discrimination against women and to limit restrictions on freedom of expression. However, progress towards implementing those commitments and recommendations has been very slow.

More significantly still, the human rights situation in the country has recently deteriorated into a crisis, following the Bahraini authorities’ heavy-handed response to widespread pro-reform protests that started in February 2011.

At least 60 people have been killed since February 2011 in connection with the protests, and the security forces continue to use excessive force against the protesters. Detainees have been subjected to torture and other ill-treatment in unofficial detention places. Scores of persons tried unfairly in military courts and sentenced to long-term prison sentences remain behind bars despite being convicted only for exercising their rights to freedom of expression and association.

In late June 2011, the King of Bahrain established the five-member Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry (BICI) to investigate alleged human rights violations during the protests. The BICI was led by Professor Cherif Bassiouni and comprised experts of internationally recognised independence, integrity and expertise. On 23 November 2011 the BICI submitted its report to the King and made detailed practical and legislative recommendations. The report confirmed that gross human rights violations had been carried out.

The Bahraini government promised full implementation of the BICI recommendations, including accountability for human rights violations. Despite some institutional and other reforms, the government’s implementation of the BICI recommendations that relate to accountability for human rights violations has been inadequate. While 11 low-ranking policemen are currently on trial for involvement in human rights abuses, no senior member of the security forces responsible for the violations, including the National Security Agency and Bahrain Defence Force, is being brought to account. …more