HUMAN RIGHTS IN BAHRAIN

Motion Text

That this House notes the general deterioration of the human rights situation in Bahrain, including the arbitrary detention of hundreds of people under the State Security Law during peaceful demonstrations since October of last year; notes that many of those arrested have been children in violation of the Convention of the Rights of the Child, which Bahrain acceded to in 1992; deplores the banning of religious celebrations and the arrests of hundreds of detainees during the recent Eid festivities; is appalled at the execution in March of Issa Ahmad Qambar after a trial held in camera which ignored internationally accepted human rights standards regarding adequate legal assistance; expresses concern about allegations of torture and further reports of the exposure of children to beatings; calls on Her Majesty's Government to make urgent representations to the Amir of Bahrain, Shaikh 'Issa Bin Salman Al Khalifa that he order the immediate release of all children, and that all other detainees should be set free immediately if they are detained withou valid charges, or, if such charges exist, that they are brought promptly before a competent and impartial tribunal, guaranteeing their procedural rights at all times; calls on the Bahraini government to conduct a thorough investigation into allegations of ill-treatment and torture, and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice; and urges that Bahrain respects in all circumatnces human rights and fundamental freedoms in accordance with national laws and international standards.