Representative M Jo K – Bahrain Freedom Movement

31/03/2010 – 2:07 am | Hits: 3633

March 31, 2010 Dear Mr. A, Thank you for contacting me about human rights violations and religious discrimination in Bahrain. I take this issue very seriously, and I appreciate the opportunity to address your concerns.

I am deeply troubled by recent accounts of human rights violations by the Al-Khalifa regime in Bahrain, as the foundation of a strong democracy rests with the citizens’ ability to openly and freely practice their religion and voice their opposition to the ruling party.
 
The State Department has taken steps to accelerate political reform in Bahrain, including through the “Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI).”  Economic Support Funds (ESF) were provided in FY2008 to help build an independent judiciary and strengthen the Council of Representatives.  Other U.S.-funded programs focus on women’s empowerment, media training, educational opportunities, and civil society legal reform.  MEPI funds have been used to fund AFL-CIO projects with Bahraini labor organizations, and to help Bahrain implement the U.S.-Bahrain FTA.
As your representative I will continue to monitor the situation in Bahrain closely and will keep in mind your thoughts should 
 
Thank you for reaching out to me.  Please contact me if I can be of further assistance.
 

Sincerely,

M Jo K

U.S. RepresentativeOhio’s 15th Congressional District