On 30 March, ADHRB has delivered an oral intervention at the United Nation Human Rights Council session 52 under item 8 during the General debate. ADHRB call on the Council to pressure Bahrain to stop targeting Human Rights Defenders.
Mr. President,
We would like to bring to the council’s attention Bahrain’s intensifying crackdown through the arbitrary arrests and summons of individuals and activists who exercise their right to express their opinion. Following the 2011 revolution, Bahraini authorities have violently suppressed all assemblies, where they would arbitrarily arrest individuals or send summons to participants afterwards. Authorities also often impose large fines and force them to sign pledges prohibiting them from participating in future demonstrations. Recently in February 2023, when hundreds of Bahrainis took to the streets commemorating the 12th anniversary of the 2011 revolution, Bahraini authorities made dozens arrests and summons. After arresting 16 individuals, the government issued a statement alleging that these individuals were “causing chaos and vandalism”. Moreover, on 5 March 2023, Bahraini authorities also arrested 4 individuals, Hajer Mansoor, Ali Muhanna, Muneer Mushaima, and Najah Yusuf, for protesting sports washing near the Bahrain International Circuit in conjunction with the Formula 1 race. In light of Bahrain’s continuous violation of the freedoms of expression and assembly, we call on the council to pressure Bahraini authorities to respect fundamental human rights, and end its systematic targeting of opposition activists.
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