Dear Constituent,
Thank you for contacting me about human rights in Bahrain.
I appreciate your concerns and depth of feeling on this issue. Human rights and democracy are fundamental to the values the UK champions on the world stage. That is why Bahrain is one of 31 human rights priority countries for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
The UK has been providing a range of technical and practical assistance to the Government of Bahrain since 2013, including work to bring about improvements in the robustness of their oversight bodies. Working together in this way offers the best opportunity to see the positive changes which the Government of Bahrain has committed to implementing.
The UK’s technical assistance to Bahrain is kept under regular review, is provided in line with international standards, and fully complies with the UK’s domestic and international human rights obligations. The positive change sought in Bahrain by the international community will be achieved only by the UK and others working directly with the Bahrain Government and exerting influence.
The most recent FCDO assessment of human rights in Bahrain welcomed the progress made on certain issues, such as modern slavery and their response to COVID-19 including access to medical facilities for prisoners. Nevertheless issues of concern remain, such as on the continued use of the death penalty – which the UK opposes in all countries and circumstances as a matter of principle – and on freedom of expression and media freedom.
The FCDO continues to monitor and raise the case of Dr Abduljalil al-Singace, Hassan Mushaima, Mohamed Ramadhan, Hussain Moosa and others as necessary, with the Bahraini Government as well as with the oversight bodies.
Bahrain is an FCDO human rights priority country and I recognise that challenges remain. Whenever potential human rights concerns become known, the FCDO considers a range of information in making its assessment, including meeting individuals or groups when this is deemed appropriate. The UK remains committed to supporting Bahraini-led reform efforts. It is my firm belief that we are more likely to bring about change through engagement, dialogue and cooperation rather than just criticising from the side-lines.
I do not speculate on potential future sanctions designations, as to do so could undermine their effectiveness.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
Sincerely,
