“The Kingdom is keen on preserving its precious record to maintain security and stability and consolidate human rights,” Bahrain Permanent Representative to the UN office and other international organisations Dr Yusuf Abdulkarim Bucheeri, said.
He affirmed Bahrain’s resolve to continue promoting equality between citizens, beyond any discrimination on the basis race, language, religion, gender or personal opinion.
Dr. Bucheeri voiced Bahrain’s stance as he led the Kingdom’s delegation to attend a discussion session on intimidation and reprisals against people and organisations that cooperate or co-operated with the UN and its representatives.
The meeting was held on the sidelines of the 21st session of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC).
He pointed out Bahrain’s strides in providing an arsenal of laws guaranteeing personal and religious liberties, freedom of opinion and publishing as well as the right to set up NGOs and trade unions.
He highlighted legislations guaranteeing equality between all citizens before the law in rights and duties – being an essential guarantor to ensure the stability of Bahraini society.
Addressing the session, he also affirmed Bahrain’s full cooperation with local and international watchdogs to promote human rights and basic liberties.
“Bahrain has allowed human rights watchdogs to visit jails, attend trials and launch their periodic reports in the Kingdom”, he said, deploring the one-sided approach adopted by human rights watchdogs.
“Some watchdogs are not even-handed in dealing with the information they get, hearing one party and ignoring official replies”, he said, describing the approach as premeditated partiality.
Dr. Bucheeri urged the UN to rely on credible sources when documenting allegations of harassment and reprisals – especially when it comes to audio visual media, blogs and social websites.