HCHR urged to open permanent office in Bahrain

(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - Al-Wefaq National Islamic Society in Bahrain commends the statements made by Ms. Navi Pillay, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, at the Human Rights Council 24thSession, regarding the situation of human rights in Bahrain. Al-Wefaq also commends the joint statement issued by 47 states expressing serious concern over the situation of human rights in Bahrain.Al-Wefaq agrees with Ms. Navi Pillay that “the human rights situation in Bahrain remains an issue of serious concern” and that there is “deep polarization of society” caused by the violation of human rights.Ms. Pillay has revealed in her opening statement that “the cooperation with the Government of Bahrain, which started fruitfully with the deployment of an OHCHR team in December 2012, has not developed further and an OHCHR follow-up mission has been stalled since then”. Governmental efforts are dedicated at whitewashing the situation of human rights and veiling the daily systematic violations instead of working for real reform.Concern expressed in a joint statement by 47 states about the 22 recommendations made by the National Assembly last July means the world has understood the intentions of the Government of Bahrain to fully dissolve the political opposition under the title of terrorism. The joint statement also revealed that the international community is not convinced that Bahrain’s current National Consensus Dialogue is a genuine one. ”We encourage the Government of Bahrain to continue to work with all participants in the Dialogue towards an open, democratic and inclusive society with equal opportunities for all”, the statement said, in clear reference to the lack of requirements of democracy and pluralism based on equal opportunities as international obligations for any state under the umbrella of the United Nations Charter and requirements of a successful dialogue.Political indications surface in human rights issues promoted by the Government of Bahrain, such as linking the cancellation of the U.N’s Special Rapporteur on Torture’s visit to a national political dialogue and the Parliament members’ offences against rights organizations known for their prestigious reputation.Moreover, the Government’s criticizing of Ms. Pillay’s statement of acquiring information from inaccurate sources is a ridicule of the United Nations human rights system.Human rights violations in Bahrain are presented in laws, regulations and judicial verdicts and even recommendations made by the National Assembly such as revoking citizenships, banning protests in the capital and restricting political societies’ meetings with diplomats and international missions.The Government is rejecting the visits of the U.N’s HRC Special Procedures because it is afraid that its fragile construction of institutional state will be exposed.Furthermore, the Government’s stalling of the implementation of the recommendations of both the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry and the U.N Human Rights Council proves that it does has no desire to end its policy of human rights violations and impunity.Al-Wefaq emphasizes on Ms. Pillay’s statement that “the harsh clampdown on human rights defenders and peaceful protesters continue to make a durable solution more difficult to secure”.Lastly, Al-Wefaq calls on the international community to hold a Human Rights Council session on Bahrain to follow-up the dangerous and deteriorating human rights situation in Bahrain as well as opening a permanent office for the High Commissioner of Human Rights with inclusive authorizations. This will directly contribute to real reform of the human rights situation in Bahrain./129