STATEMENT
41th UPR Session of the Human Rights Council on the human rights situation in Bahrain, as delivered by Ambassador Tine Mørch Smith,
Permanent Representative of Norway in Geneva.
Check against delivery
7 November 2022
President,
Norway commends the Kingdom of Bahrain on the adoption of its first National Human Rights Action Plan. [Norway remains concerned about the discrimination of women in law and practice.]
Norway recommends that Bahrain:
1) commutes all death sentences, declares a moratorium on the use of death penalty, and moves towards abolition of the death penalty;
2) reforms laws that regulate publishing in print and online, in order to ensure freedom of expression for independent media and all citizens;
3) takes steps to end discrimination against women, including allowing Bahraini women to transfer their Bahraini citizenship to their children;
4) releases all individuals, including human rights defenders, who have been imprisoned for exercising their rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association, and reinstates Bahraini citizenship to all individuals whose citizenship has been revoked as a reprisal for human rights activities;
5) investigates all allegations of torture and ensures prosecution of those responsible.
Thank you.