Information Database – Bahrain Freedom Movement

– 13/06/2008

1. The Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), established in accordance with Human Rights Council resolution 5/1 of 18 June 2007, held its first session from 7 to 18 April 2008. The review of Bahrain was held at the 1st meeting held on 7 April 2008. The delegation of Bahrain was headed by H.E. Mr. Nizar Albaharna. For the composition of the delegation, composed of 31 members, see appendix below. At its 6th meeting held on 9 April 2008, the Working Group adopted the present report on Bahrain. 2. On 28 February 2008, the Human Rights Council selected the following group of rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of Bahrain: Slovenia, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and
Country Reports on Human Rights Practices Bahrain

– 12/03/2008

Bahrain is a monarchy with a population of approximately 725,000, approximately 430,000 of whom are citizens, according to official figures. King Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa is the head of state and all branches of government. The king appoints a cabinet of ministers, half of whom are members of the Al‑Khalifa royal family
Arab Political Systems: Baseline Information and Reforms

– 07/02/2008

With the world’s attention focused as never before on political reform and democratization in Arab countries, giving rise to often highly politicized debates, it is important to provide accurate, factual information about Arab political systems and reforms being introduced in the region. This webpage represents a joint undertaking of the Democracy and Rule of Law Project at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Washington and the Fundación para las Relaciones Internacionales y el Diálogo Exterior (FRIDE) in Madrid. It provides easily accessible baseline information about the political systems of Arab countries, with links to official documents and websites, and will be frequently updated to provide information about reforms being introduced.
Human Rights Watch Report 2008

– 04/02/2008

Human rights conditions in Bahrain worsened in 2007. Although the king, Shaikh Hamad bin `Isa al-Khalifa, undertook important reforms in 2001-2002, the government still has done little to institutionalize human rights protections in law. The government continued to subject freedom of expression, assembly, and association to arbitrary restrictions.
U.S.State Reports on Human Rights Practices – 2006

– 06/03/2007

Bahrain is a monarchy led by King Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa with a population of approximately 725,000, approximately 430,000 of whom are citizens. King Hamad is the head of state. His son, Crown Prince Sheikh Salman Bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, is heir apparent; and his uncle, Sheikh Khalifa Bin Salman Al-Khalifa, as prime minister, is the head of government. The king appoints a cabinet of ministers. Members of the Al‑Khalifa royal family hold about half of the cabinet positions, including all strategic ministries. In 2002 the government adopted the current constitution that reinstated a legislative body with one elected chamber, the Council of Representatives (COR), and one appointed chamber, the Shura Council

– 14/02/2007

On the Path towards Democracy American Enterprise Institute Washington DC, 13 February 2007 Thank you, Chairperson Ms Pletka, I want to commend the AEI for holding this discussion panel about the Reform in Bahrain. We express our appreciation for this opportunity to speak to you today about our efforts to let Bahrain become a sustainable, striving, and stable democracy.
Bahrain: Codifying Repression

Bahrain Freedom Movement – 23/01/2007

And Dictatorship Proceedings Of A London Seminar August 23rd, 2006 Parliamentary Human Rights Group Bahrain Freedom Movement

Bahrain:Human Rights Watch

– 12/01/2007

Events of 2006 Bahrain’s human rights practices improved significantly following reforms decreed by the king, Shaikh Hamad bin `Isa Al Khalifa, in 2001-02, but the government did not institutionalize in law protection of basic rights such as freedom of assembly, association, and expression. Some new laws ratified in 2006—on counterterrorism and public gatherings, for instance—contain provisions that undermine those rights.
Conspiring Against the Shia of Bahrain

– Published on Bahrain Center for Human Rights – 10/01/2007

Published on Bahrain Center for Human Rights (http://www.bahrainrights.org) Conspiring Against the Shia of Bahrain By admin Created 1 Nov 2006 – 14:51 An overview of the classified study at the heart of the Bandargate scandal; Islamist groups penetrate and influence government and society Bahrain Center for Human Rights, October 2006 By Zara Al Sitari

– 08/11/2006

An archipelago made up of some 30 islands, Bahrain was once viewed by the ancient Sumerians as an island paradise to which the wise and the brave were taken to enjoy eternal life. With the current harsh Gulf climate, however, it is mostly desert. It still plays a traditional role as an important trading centre.

The Historic Uprising of February 1922

– 08/11/2006

Many wonder what is going on in Bahrain. Why, many would ask, is the reaction of the government in Bahrain so irrational bearing in mind that the opposition demands no more than a restoration of a parliament that existed in Bahrain between 1973 and 1975? The puzzle can only be partially understood by understanding the history of Bahrain and the background of the ruling mentality.

Facts About Torure-in-Chief

– 08/11/2006

“Ian Henderson” Note: Many British officers are with Henderson supervising torture and repression. Henderson’s deputy is a Briton by the name: Don Bryan. Before coming to Bahrain he served in Hong Kong police. Mr. Dave Darby is another senior British officer supervising torture and repression

State injustice: Unfair Trials in the Middle East and North Africa

– 08/11/2006

Amnesty International MDE 01/02/98, April 16, 1998, p 58 Bahrain

– 08/11/2006

Early 1700s: The confederation of Utob tribes (Al-Khalifa, Al-Sabah, Al-Jalahma) migrates to Qarin (Kuwait) (on the northern coast of the Gulf) to flee the harsh desert conditions of the Arabian peninsula. In 1700, the Utob attacked Bahrain but their attack was repulsed

– 08/11/2006

His Highness, Sheikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa The Amir of the State of Bahrain, may God save him

– 08/11/2006

: House Arrest 1 April 1995; Arrested 15 pril 1995; Released on 25 September 1995, Re-arrested on 21 January 1996

– 21/05/2005

Convention Abbreviation: CAT COMMITTEE AGAINST TORTURE Thirty-fourth session 2-20 May 2005 CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS SUBMITTED BY STATES PARTIES UNDER ARTICLE 19 OF THE CONVENTION Conclusions and recommendations of the Committee against Torture BAHRAIN 1. The Committee considered the initial report of Bahrain (CAT/C/47/Add.4) at its 653rd and 656th meetings (CAT/C/SR.653 and 656), held on 12 and 13 May 2005, and adopted, at its 663rd meeting (CAT/C/SR.633), the following conclusions and recommendations. A. Introduction 2. The Committee welcomes the initial report of Bahrain although it regrets that the report, due in April 1999, was submitted with a five-year delay. 3. The Committee notes that the report does not fully conform to the Committee’s guidelines for the preparation of initial reports and lacks information on practical aspects of implementation of the Convention’s provisions

Legal Opinion Concerning the Constitutional Matter

– 14/02/2002

This concise legal opinion aims to respond, though briefly, to numerous questions which have been repeatedly raised since 14 February 2002, the day the New Constitution was promulgated.

LEGISLATIVE DECREE No. 56

– 30/11/2001

LEGISLATIVE DECREE No. 56 OF THE YEAR 2002 WITH RESPECT TO INTERPRETING CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF LEGILSATIVE DECREE No. 10 OF THE YEAR 2001 WITH RESPECT TO GENERAL AMNESTY FOR CRIMES AFFECTING NATIONAL SECURITY.

– 28/02/2001

Last updated: Mar 2001 (Note: see below for a listing of today’s Bahrain islands) Preface: The islands of Bahrain, positioned in the middle south of the Gulf, have attracted the attention of many invaders in history. Bahrain, meaning “Two Seas” refers to the fact that the islands contain the two sources of water, sweet water springs and salty water in the surrounding seas.