A delegation from the Bahraini National Democratic Opposition Parties met this week in Brussels, with senior figures from the European External Action Service (EEAS), of the European Commission, headed by Baroness Catherine Ashton. The delegation met with Mr. Hugues Mingarelli, Director for the Middle East and Mr. John O’Rourke, head of the Arabian Peninsula Division.
The Bahraini representatives requested the EEAS to take a role, at the coming session of the UN Human Rights Council, with regards to the human rights situation in Bahrain.
They called for clear stance to be taken against torture in prisons and for the urgent release of prisoners of conscience. In addition they raised the importance of permitting the Special Rapporteur on Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment, Mr Juan E Mendez to visit Bahrain, as well as the Special Rapporteur on the Freedom of Religion or Belief and the Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers.
Opposition Parties added that the delegation’s reading of the current situation in Bahrain is that the authority is not looking towards a real and productive negotiation but is instead rejecting any chance of reform. This is clear through the most recent laws and legislations restricting freedom of speech, such as the Council of Representatives’ decree to dissolve the elected Capital Municipal Council. The Representatives Council has also restricted the opportunity of questioning ministers, winning the support of two thirds of the members.
The Opposition highlighted the need for a real initiative from the government to apply the road map suggested by the opposition itself, and also the need to implement the recommendations of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry and the UN Universal Periodic Review. They noted that the steps taken thus far by the authorities are only intended to cover their crimes and fail to provide any core solution. Furthermore, such intentions a part of a public relation campaign, wasting the country’s fortune and resources without being able to stop violations including extrajudicial killings.
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