Written question asked by Lord Scriven (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 7 December 2023, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 21 December 2023. It was answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Conservative) on Thursday, 21 December 2023 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Bahrain: Human Rights

Question: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the report by the Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy and Human Rights Watch on 6 December that 13 people have been unfairly imprisoned in Bahrain, and what are the implications for the funding under the Gulf Strategy Fund given to Bahraini bodies which are accused of committing torture and whitewashing human rights abuses.

Answer: The FCDO follows matters that relate to human rights in Bahrain closely, is aware of reporting about the court proceedings referenced and continues to encourage allegations of torture or mistreatment to be reported to the appropriate national oversight body. We have previously been assured in other cases (where individuals linked to one charge are tried together) that an individual's right to separate legal representation of their choice is guaranteed by law. We remain committed to supporting reforms in Bahrain, including through the Gulf Strategy Fund, itself subject to robust oversight measures and rigorous risk assessments to ensure projects are effective, consistent with our values and in line with our human rights obligations.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: HL995
Session: 2023-24
Subjects: Detainees Human rights Prison sentences Bahrain Gulf Strategy Fund
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk