Bahrain Strikes Balance Between Rights and Security

A report by the Arab Lawyers Union, released at its meeting in Egypt last week, has rightly praised Bahrain’s human rights record. It has affirmed the kingdom’s resolve to ensure balance between human rights protection and the reinforcement of security and stability while confronting acts of violence, extremism and terrorism which have claimed the lives of several policemen.

In fact the report goes so far as to say that Bahrain is the first Arab country and the sixth in the world in the “Most Secure Country” index. Generally such claims are made by particular countries about themselves on the basis of their own surveys. That a regional body has recognised Bahrain’s human rights record is saying a lot, especially that the assessment comes from a lawyers’ body which must be privy to, and handling in the course of its work, numerous human rights cases.

Among other things the lawyers’ union agrees that Bahrain’s reforms have strengthened democracy and political awareness in society. It appreciates the fact that, following the troubles which started in February 2011, the King of Bahrain took the unprecedented step of ordering the setting up of an independent commission of inquiry consisting of lawyers and experts of repute from overseas who were allowed unfettered access to interview government (including police) officials, people with all shades of opinion and all sections of society. No country in modern times has ever set up a panel to probe itself.

King of Bahrain Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa, balancing rights and security.
King of Bahrain Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa. United States Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Julian Carroll.

Indeed openness is the hallmark of the functioning of the Bahrain government institutions. Thus, once the commission of inquiry had submitted its report, where in many instances its criticism did not spare the government, the report was immediately put up on a freely accessible website for the entire world to see.

The commission’s recommendations, which involved much soul-searching on the part of the government, were implemented without demur or delay. A Special Investigation Unit was set up to look into the claims of deaths, torture and cruel treatment that allegedly occurred during the 2011 troubles. 43 cases were referred to courts as a consequence, and compensations were paid to the aggrieved parties where applicable.

Many other related steps were also taken to combat hatred and sectarianism. Creation of the Prisoners and Detainees Rights Commission, creation of the Bahrain National Committee for the International Humanitarian Law, the activation of the role of the high coordination committee for human rights, the National Institution for Human Rights, and the initiative to set up an Arab Court for Human Rights.

Given that Bahrain is a tiny island kingdom, the government has indeed tended to treat all its citizens as one family and the Prime Minister has quite often referred to the country’s one-family spirit. Whenever a calamity strikes a Bahraini family, the government is there to extend its helping hand. Numerous Bahrainis are sent overseas for treatment of ailments. Where medical expenses are enormously high, Bahrainis in distress overseas are immediately looked after.

If the troubles still flared up in 2011, that’s because a section of the citizens indulged in extreme violence and killing of security forces in their quest for regime change at the instigation of Iran. Prompted by Iran, these people rejected the constitution and the democratic process of elections. They also refused to enter into any serious dialogue with the government to resolve their alleged differences.

If the government still ensured, through various institutional means, that their rights and freedoms were protected, then it is not surprising it has won kudos from the Arab Lawyers Union.

Hot this week

Did David Wineland and Serge Haroche Steal Idea For The Nobel Physics Prize?

Dr. Omerbashich says the Royal Swedish Academy is a Crime Scene and he has the proof that Nobel laureates stole his discovery.

New Approaches to Disaster Relief Challenges

Disaster relief has always been a challenge. NASA, Google,...

3 Legitimate Money Making Methods to Supplement Your Income

In a perfect world, when your landlord raises your...

2016 Predictions by World Renowned Medium and Psychic Lindy Baker

World renowned medium and psychic Lindy Baker is interviewed by The Hollywood Sentinel, discussing psychic power, the spirit world, life after death, areas of concern in 2016, and much more.

Digital Coupon Customers Spending More Than Double At Stores

A new study shows that customers who use digital coupons go shopping more for groceries and other household goods more often and spend more on their shopping trips.

Israel’s Judicial Conundrum

Reality check: the unpopular and perhaps controversial thought must be said. Israel is entrenched in a judicial conundrum that places its very existence in jeopardy.

Bigger Tax Refunds for U.S. Property Owners in 2025 – Due to Rising Costs of Homeownership

The size of the refund depends on different factors. First, let's discuss why homeowners will qualify for larger tax refunds.

Kamala Harris Presidential Campaign Paid Millions to Celebrity Production Companies Despite Denials

Waste and political funding in focus, revelations show the failed Kamala Harris presidential campaign funneled big funds into celebrity production.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Confirmed as HHS Secretary in 52-48 Senate Vote

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was confirmed as Secretary of...

Somalia Launches First Youth Football Development Center

Inaugurated by the president of Somali Football Federation, Mr. Ali Abdi Mohamed, the new youth football development center began its operation in the city of Baidoa on Thursday 13th of February 2025.

Tulsi Gabbard Confirmed as U.S. Director of National Intelligence, Meets with Indian PM Modi

Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence The U.S. Senate confirmed...

Why Is Kendrick Lamar Dissing Drake Now?

Kendrick Lamar and Drake once shared a collaborative spirit, but tensions simmered in 2013 with Lamar's bold verse on "Control." What followed...
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img