Bahrain Political and Human Rights 2021-10-26
2021-10-26
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Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP asks about the current political and human rights situation in Bahrain, following years of pro-democracy protests.
What recent assessment she has made of the political and human rights situation in Bahrain?
We continue to monitor the political and human rights developments in Bahrain. Bahrain is a Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office human rights priority country. We publish our assessment of the situation, including on areas of concern and areas of improvement in Bahrain, in the annual FCDO human rights report, most recently published on 8 July 2021.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP highlights that despite UK funding for oversight mechanisms, cosmetic reforms have failed to address deep-rooted issues. She names specific individuals including Dr al-Singace, Hassan Mushaima, Abdulhadi al-Khawaja, and Sheikh Ali Salman.
Over a decade after pro-democracy protests were crushed and oversight mechanisms, which the UK helped to fund, were adopted, cosmetic reforms have failed to remedy Bahrain's deep-rooted problems. Will the Government show their commitment to Bahrain and publicly call for meaningful and inclusive political dialogue there, and for the unconditional release of all political prisoners, including Dr al-Singace, Hassan Mushaima, Abdulhadi al-Khawaja, and Sheikh Ali Salman?
The United Kingdom enjoys a constructive relationship with Bahrain, which means that where there are areas of concern we are able to bring them up directly. I myself have done so in bilateral meetings I have had with Bahraini officials, both here in the UK and on my trips to Bahrain. We continue to monitor the cases the hon. Lady raises, and others as necessary.
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Assessment & feedback
The government did not make a public call for meaningful political dialogue or unconditional release of prisoners.
Response accuracy