(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - Shaikh Ali Salman, Al-Wefaq Secretry-General, emphasized that the international community found the regime a violator of human rights and therefore given the highest number of recommendations worldwide. He mentioned that the democratic regimes clearly condemned the Bahraini regime and its ongoing violations.
Shaikh Ali Salman, Al-Wefaq Secretry-General, emphasized that the international community found the regime a violator of human rights and therefore given the highest number of recommendations worldwide. He mentioned that the democratic regimes clearly condemned the Bahraini regime and its ongoing violations.
He stressed that political concessions on the expense of human rights are completely impossible. In an open public meeting in Markh area on Sunday 23rd he said, “There are pledges and implementations for the recommendations in the human rights track that should take place. Our demands seek the interests of Bahrain together with all its society components. We raised for the sake of humanity of all people regardless of their belongings. If we want to step forward at all levels and to realize the permanent stability there is no way but democracy”.
Like BICI report, Geneva awarded another card to the people of Bahrain
Salman pointed out that “within the framework of development of human rights mechanisms, the United Nations has developed the idea of the Human Rights Council in 2006. There was no possibility for periodical reviewing for the files of 200 countries; that’s why the number of countries have been randomly selected. This made the Periodic review of the human right situation in Bahrain in 2008; where the regime tried to improve its image, human rights wise. Unfortunately for the regime, the idea of periodic review required the review for Bahrain in 2012; after the revolution and the events of 2011. Bahrain got the highest number worldwide, after the periodic review with 176 recommendations”.
“In May, the official delegates were shocked with the huge number of recommendations. They were confused, they had no rational reaction and were without decision. That’s why they asked to delay the response to those universal recommendations. It seems that the BICI scenario was created to avoid being questioned inside the HRC. The idea was to respond to those recommendations. If the regime had the readiness to fulfill its human rights pledges it wouldn’t have been trapped in a dilemma. They found that there is no way but to accept the recommendations”, he stated.
Al-Wefaq SG, also, added “In the UPR, the procedure is that the regime has to accept the recommendations in order for the official report to be adopted. Now, after Geneva, I believe the people of Bahrain have been awarded with another card, along with the BICI report card, which proved the human rights violations spoken out by the opposition since the twenties”.
He continued “In Geneva, the highest number of recommendations revealed the magnitude of the human rights violations, and the regime accepted these recommendations. After Geneva, an additional card is added to the list of achievements for the people of Bahrain and must be invested in the nonstop pro-democracy struggle”.
A dictator regime cannot fulfill its commitments
He clarified that any dictatorship cannot commit itself to human rights. Committing to human rights means to express your opinion the way the people did when they exercised their right of freedom of expression at the Pearl roundabout. For instance, in Britain nobody talks about those who demand a republic simply because they respect the freedom of expression. Here, they were so intolerant to such practice, look at Nabeel Rajab, what has he done? They can not tolerate one person to express his opinion, this is the nature of a dictatorship, it cannot commit itself to the freedom of expression or respect others' rights.
He added that the Arabic countries have all the advantages to be in the lead because of their strategic position, but look at the problem? They have been controlled by regimes that have no respect to the peoples’ rights, if there were real democracies that respect human rights in the Arabian world, it would be an excellent place for investments. However, the countries which approved of the recommendation regarding the political side have talked about a dialogue that establishes real democracy which will result in improving the human rights side.
Salman said that the political parties should follow up and insist on implementing BICI and Geneva recommendation and when a recommendation is implemented we will say " that’s done, now there are other recommendations to be implemented". He mentioned that the Universal periodic review sessions are 4 to 6 in a year, which means that when there is a failure in implementing the recommendations the countries can ask for a special Rapporteur for Bahrain.
Why does the regime fear opening a permanent office for the Commissioner of Human Rights
He pointed out that the Foreign Minister assured that a special Rapporteur on torture will come to Bahrain but not a Rapporteur to implement all the recommendations. He said, “if the regime's record is white or it will work to make it white, then why does it refuse to open a permanent office for the United Nations Higher Commissioner, and why does the regime refuse to sign Rome Statute?
He said that the international community has found the regime guilty of human rights violations and the regime pledged to implement the recommendations, “I believe that there will be no commitment by the regime unless a political solutions is realized, we may be able to pressurize the regime through revealing its violations.”
Salman indicated that having Posner at the Session was in itself a positive message, and what he said, and what has been said by the major countries was good enough to pressurize the regime to adopt a political solution and respect human rights.
He added, “in the long run of the Bahraini struggle, we should make a good use of the Geneva stop, and there is no solution other than having the people as the source of all powers to show the delegations the violations in a very realistic way and tell them with most credibility that the regime is still committing more violations despite its promises.
“why does the regime spend all these amounts of money to communicate with the world? Because the violations are huge striking and because they are being documented.
Naturalization is a destructive project that harms all components of the society
Salman said that naturalization is a destructive project that has negative effects on both Sunnis and Shiites and we strongly reject and must work against it. We in the opposition refuse to let those who have been illegally naturalized to decide on the political future of Bahrain, it is believed that the regime is naturalizing more people to increase the number of Sunnis against Shiites, and we tell the regime that if the number of the Sunnis increases, there will surely be a wider demand for elected government.
He emphasized that there are no choices in Bahrain but the choice of moving toward democracy, here there is a chance for the homeland to win, because the other choices are catastrophic.
He stressed that every student from primary to University should study hard and achieve high results, no one should make excuses.
He added, “we strongly believe that studying and learning in schools, institutes and universities should not be distracted by any political activities. Students should pay more attention to their studies. Political events have their own timing, we need the student to be successful and have more interests in their studies.”
It’s not a sectarian issue, but rather an exaggeration by state-media
He mentioned that “ever since the French Revolution and until the revolution in Egypt, revolutions have used the same methods. Let’s not be busy with innovating the methods, and concentrate on continuous demonstrations. The people prove their existence by actively being there, in peaceful activities inside the capital. This is required to continue. We have to steadily go on with our pro-democracy struggle, as the opposition did in Egypt and Tunisia. Ultimately, Allah will reward us with the victory”.
“The opposition is to continue in its pro-democracy path till the end. Each move, each effort must push things towards the real democratic transition. Media campaigns; like The Gangs of Darkness (#DarknessGangs) and other campaigns; visits, activities inside and outside the country, twitter, Facebook, each and every effort brings some outcome. So, let’s proceed till we get our demands achieved”.
He added “the opposition always puts the regional dimension in its consideration. It works according to a study to take this country to a permanent stability and real democracy. The opposition is much more mature than the regime; studying all of its steps and plans; trying to keep Bahrain away from potential threats”.
Salman emphasized that “there is no serious problem between the two communities in Bahrain. But, there is an exaggerating by state media. We can’t see any attacks perpetrated other than those by the Intelligence Services. The regime played it sectarian by inciting the people against each other, attempting to break the society breaking unifying bonds. The opposition was aware about this sectarian official plan; and so didn’t respond back to all provocations. The opposition will never play it sectarian; but it concentrates on the political disagreement.”
The regime’s illusion of victory in Geneva is unimportant
On any possible political resolution Salman said that the opposition, unlike the regime, has no exclusions to any party and it will remain peaceful. “Any dialogue or resolution will have to include all parties. Al-Minbar and Al-Asalah will have to take part just like the political figures Hasan Mushaima and AbdulWahab Hussain have to.
Salman also said that protests any where across the country will make a difference, although they are supposed to be in the Capital. “Capitals around the globe witness protests and Manamma should not be any different.”
“We have to go on, the human right entitlements are easier to achieve than political entitlements. We have seen that Amnesty international has issued a report commenting on Bahrain that its pledges are hollow”
He also pointed out that the authority’s use of the “victory” expression does not even deserve commenting. He said, “We are required to merely concentrate and work on taking Bahrain to a stable bank of a developed political situation, despite the difficult options.”
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Shaikh Ali Salman, Al-Wefaq Secretry-General, emphasized that the international community found the regime a violator of human rights and therefore given the highest number of recommendations worldwide. He mentioned that the democratic regimes clearly condemned the Bahraini regime and its ongoing violations.
He stressed that political concessions on the expense of human rights are completely impossible. In an open public meeting in Markh area on Sunday 23rd he said, “There are pledges and implementations for the recommendations in the human rights track that should take place. Our demands seek the interests of Bahrain together with all its society components. We raised for the sake of humanity of all people regardless of their belongings. If we want to step forward at all levels and to realize the permanent stability there is no way but democracy”.
Like BICI report, Geneva awarded another card to the people of Bahrain
Salman pointed out that “within the framework of development of human rights mechanisms, the United Nations has developed the idea of the Human Rights Council in 2006. There was no possibility for periodical reviewing for the files of 200 countries; that’s why the number of countries have been randomly selected. This made the Periodic review of the human right situation in Bahrain in 2008; where the regime tried to improve its image, human rights wise. Unfortunately for the regime, the idea of periodic review required the review for Bahrain in 2012; after the revolution and the events of 2011. Bahrain got the highest number worldwide, after the periodic review with 176 recommendations”.
“In May, the official delegates were shocked with the huge number of recommendations. They were confused, they had no rational reaction and were without decision. That’s why they asked to delay the response to those universal recommendations. It seems that the BICI scenario was created to avoid being questioned inside the HRC. The idea was to respond to those recommendations. If the regime had the readiness to fulfill its human rights pledges it wouldn’t have been trapped in a dilemma. They found that there is no way but to accept the recommendations”, he stated.
Al-Wefaq SG, also, added “In the UPR, the procedure is that the regime has to accept the recommendations in order for the official report to be adopted. Now, after Geneva, I believe the people of Bahrain have been awarded with another card, along with the BICI report card, which proved the human rights violations spoken out by the opposition since the twenties”.
He continued “In Geneva, the highest number of recommendations revealed the magnitude of the human rights violations, and the regime accepted these recommendations. After Geneva, an additional card is added to the list of achievements for the people of Bahrain and must be invested in the nonstop pro-democracy struggle”.
A dictator regime cannot fulfill its commitments
He clarified that any dictatorship cannot commit itself to human rights. Committing to human rights means to express your opinion the way the people did when they exercised their right of freedom of expression at the Pearl roundabout. For instance, in Britain nobody talks about those who demand a republic simply because they respect the freedom of expression. Here, they were so intolerant to such practice, look at Nabeel Rajab, what has he done? They can not tolerate one person to express his opinion, this is the nature of a dictatorship, it cannot commit itself to the freedom of expression or respect others' rights.
He added that the Arabic countries have all the advantages to be in the lead because of their strategic position, but look at the problem? They have been controlled by regimes that have no respect to the peoples’ rights, if there were real democracies that respect human rights in the Arabian world, it would be an excellent place for investments. However, the countries which approved of the recommendation regarding the political side have talked about a dialogue that establishes real democracy which will result in improving the human rights side.
Salman said that the political parties should follow up and insist on implementing BICI and Geneva recommendation and when a recommendation is implemented we will say " that’s done, now there are other recommendations to be implemented". He mentioned that the Universal periodic review sessions are 4 to 6 in a year, which means that when there is a failure in implementing the recommendations the countries can ask for a special Rapporteur for Bahrain.
Why does the regime fear opening a permanent office for the Commissioner of Human Rights
He pointed out that the Foreign Minister assured that a special Rapporteur on torture will come to Bahrain but not a Rapporteur to implement all the recommendations. He said, “if the regime's record is white or it will work to make it white, then why does it refuse to open a permanent office for the United Nations Higher Commissioner, and why does the regime refuse to sign Rome Statute?
He said that the international community has found the regime guilty of human rights violations and the regime pledged to implement the recommendations, “I believe that there will be no commitment by the regime unless a political solutions is realized, we may be able to pressurize the regime through revealing its violations.”
Salman indicated that having Posner at the Session was in itself a positive message, and what he said, and what has been said by the major countries was good enough to pressurize the regime to adopt a political solution and respect human rights.
He added, “in the long run of the Bahraini struggle, we should make a good use of the Geneva stop, and there is no solution other than having the people as the source of all powers to show the delegations the violations in a very realistic way and tell them with most credibility that the regime is still committing more violations despite its promises.
“why does the regime spend all these amounts of money to communicate with the world? Because the violations are huge striking and because they are being documented.
Naturalization is a destructive project that harms all components of the society
Salman said that naturalization is a destructive project that has negative effects on both Sunnis and Shiites and we strongly reject and must work against it. We in the opposition refuse to let those who have been illegally naturalized to decide on the political future of Bahrain, it is believed that the regime is naturalizing more people to increase the number of Sunnis against Shiites, and we tell the regime that if the number of the Sunnis increases, there will surely be a wider demand for elected government.
He emphasized that there are no choices in Bahrain but the choice of moving toward democracy, here there is a chance for the homeland to win, because the other choices are catastrophic.
He stressed that every student from primary to University should study hard and achieve high results, no one should make excuses.
He added, “we strongly believe that studying and learning in schools, institutes and universities should not be distracted by any political activities. Students should pay more attention to their studies. Political events have their own timing, we need the student to be successful and have more interests in their studies.”
It’s not a sectarian issue, but rather an exaggeration by state-media
He mentioned that “ever since the French Revolution and until the revolution in Egypt, revolutions have used the same methods. Let’s not be busy with innovating the methods, and concentrate on continuous demonstrations. The people prove their existence by actively being there, in peaceful activities inside the capital. This is required to continue. We have to steadily go on with our pro-democracy struggle, as the opposition did in Egypt and Tunisia. Ultimately, Allah will reward us with the victory”.
“The opposition is to continue in its pro-democracy path till the end. Each move, each effort must push things towards the real democratic transition. Media campaigns; like The Gangs of Darkness (#DarknessGangs) and other campaigns; visits, activities inside and outside the country, twitter, Facebook, each and every effort brings some outcome. So, let’s proceed till we get our demands achieved”.
He added “the opposition always puts the regional dimension in its consideration. It works according to a study to take this country to a permanent stability and real democracy. The opposition is much more mature than the regime; studying all of its steps and plans; trying to keep Bahrain away from potential threats”.
Salman emphasized that “there is no serious problem between the two communities in Bahrain. But, there is an exaggerating by state media. We can’t see any attacks perpetrated other than those by the Intelligence Services. The regime played it sectarian by inciting the people against each other, attempting to break the society breaking unifying bonds. The opposition was aware about this sectarian official plan; and so didn’t respond back to all provocations. The opposition will never play it sectarian; but it concentrates on the political disagreement.”
The regime’s illusion of victory in Geneva is unimportant
On any possible political resolution Salman said that the opposition, unlike the regime, has no exclusions to any party and it will remain peaceful. “Any dialogue or resolution will have to include all parties. Al-Minbar and Al-Asalah will have to take part just like the political figures Hasan Mushaima and AbdulWahab Hussain have to.
Salman also said that protests any where across the country will make a difference, although they are supposed to be in the Capital. “Capitals around the globe witness protests and Manamma should not be any different.”
“We have to go on, the human right entitlements are easier to achieve than political entitlements. We have seen that Amnesty international has issued a report commenting on Bahrain that its pledges are hollow”
He also pointed out that the authority’s use of the “victory” expression does not even deserve commenting. He said, “We are required to merely concentrate and work on taking Bahrain to a stable bank of a developed political situation, despite the difficult options.”
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