A/HRC/21/6
caused the death of some 30 persons since the BICI report (chaired by Mahmoud Cherif
Bassiouni) had been issued. France made recommendations.
75.
Germany commended Bahrain for reconfirming that the BICI report was the basis
for the way forward; however, it regrets that its overall implementation remains
insufficient. Germany urged Bahrain to fully, promptly and wholeheartedly implement all
of BICI’s recommendations. It has continuously expressed concern about the ongoing
violence, human rights violations and the lack of a thorough, political approach in order to
solve the crises. Germany made recommendations.
76.
Hungary welcomed the establishment of the national commission to oversee and
coordinate the implementation of BICI’s recommendations, and hoped to see progress on
the follow-up. However, it expressed concern about reported ill-treatment of protesters,
among them human rights defenders. Hungary made recommendations.
77.
India welcomed the national model for integrating women’s needs in relation to
development and the temporary measures taken to grant citizenship to children of Bahraini
women married to foreigners. It referred to specific initiatives relating to foreign workers. It
urged Bahrain to accelerate implementation of BICI’s recommendations. India made
recommendations.
78.
Indonesia welcomed the establishment of a national human rights institution. It also
appreciated the initiatives undertaken in the area of gender equality. Indonesia appreciated
Bahrain’s legislation which guarantees the protection of the rights of migrant workers.
Indonesia made a recommendation.
79.
The delegation clarified that there were no restrictions on journalists. It stated that
over the past year, 397 journalists had entered Bahrain and arrangements had been made for
such visits; but some journalists had violated the kingdom’s immigration law. It added that
the Press Law was in the final stage, and that it included a provision prohibiting
imprisonment of journalists.
80.
The delegation mentioned the memorandum of understanding signed with the
International Committee of the Red Cross to visit detention centres.
81.
The delegation reported on the enhancement of the role of the community police
service, which had been developed and expanded by opening up employment to all the
components of the community without discrimination. Training is being provided for all
ranks as part of the 2012-2013 training programme, in collaboration with international legal
and human rights organizations.
82.
Concerning allegations of torture, the delegation stated that a special unit,
established by a decision of the Public Prosecutor in the Office of the Prosecutor General,
was investigating all allegations. It stated that all citizens had the right to put forward any
evidence or witnesses to the Prosecutor General’s Office; some allegations have been
investigated and those found responsible have been held accountable. A total of 142
complaints had been received; the public prosecution heard 120 complainants and 85
persons have been referred to the forensic doctor. A number of officers and personnel were
also referred to the courts including nine alleged cases ranging from beatings to death,
torture and failure to report known crimes. Investigations are still underway.
83.
Iran (Islamic Republic of) drew attention on the compilation prepared by OHCHR,
in which concerns had been expressed over the deterioration of the human rights situation
in Bahrain. It mentioned sections of the report where the High Commissioner expressed
alarm at the excessive use of force and urged Bahrain to undertake investigations into the
allegations of torture as well as to put an end to impunity. Iran made recommendations.
11
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