A/HRC/36/3 47. The delegation of Bahrain stated that Bahrain had adopted advanced national legislation and had established protective national mechanisms. It strove to cooperate with international human rights mechanisms. It had embarked upon the implementation of the recommendations of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry. Some of those recommendations were related to areas covered by mandates of special rapporteurs, most importantly those on combating torture. Bahrain would consider inviting special rapporteurs to visit. 48. The constitution and the legislation in Bahrain provided for fair trial safeguards, and sentences could be appealed up to the highest court. 49. The Al-Wefaq association had been dissolved pursuant to a decision of the high civil court. The supreme court of appeal had upheld the ruling. The Al-Wefaq association had appealed the decision before the cassation court; the appeal was still pending. The high civil court had issued its ruling based on the grounds that the association had: (a) targeted the principle of respect for the rule of law and the foundations of citizenship; (b) provided a conducive environment for terrorism, extremism and violence; (c) invoked external interventions in internal affairs; and (d) exploited religious platforms in political activities. 50. The Ministry of Justice had filed a petition for the dissolution of the Wa’ad association in the light of the serious violations the association had committed against the rule of law and of its support and glorification of terrorism and persons convicted of terrorism. The case was still before the competent court. 51. The United Kingdom stated that in 2016 and 2017 it had registered concerns at the Human Rights Council, including with regard to the resumption of the use of the death penalty and deprivation of citizenship. It encouraged Bahrain to promote social cohesion, inclusivity and freedom of expression. 52. The United States noted that there had been a decrease in the use of excessive force and acknowledged achievements in promoting women’s equality. It expressed regret about restrictions on peaceful assembly and association and travel of human rights activists. It expressed concern about the inconsistency of fair trial guarantees and arbitrary revocations of citizenship. 53. Uruguay welcomed the legislation to abolish torture, as well as the establishment of institutions to investigate alleged cases of torture. It noted the progress made towards withdrawing the State’s reservation to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. Uruguay reiterated the importance of extending a standing invitation to all special procedure mandate holders. 54. Uzbekistan welcomed that Bahrain had taken measures to work more closely with OHCHR and civil society to implement recommendations made during the second cycle of the universal periodic review, including through the adoption of national plans aimed at the empowerment of women. 55. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela applauded Bahrain for the broad consultations undertaken in preparation of the national report. It welcomed reforms that ensured that the national human rights institution was in compliance with the Paris Principles, as well as efforts to ensure gender equality. 56. Yemen commended the efforts of the Government to adopt national strategies on development and on the rights of women, children, elderly persons and persons with disabilities. 57. Algeria welcomed efforts to improve the institutional framework for the rights of prisoners and detainees, the establishment of the Office of the Ombudsman and the adoption of a number of laws to ensure alignment of the legal framework of Bahrain with international human rights standards. 58. Angola commended Bahrain for its efforts to implement supported recommendations from the second review, including through measures to enhance gender equality and promote the status of women. It encouraged Bahrain to continue its commitment to strengthen the development programme in order to adhere to the targets of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. 6