NIHR Submits Key Recommendations to UN Committee Against Torture

The National Institution for Human Rights (NIHR) of Bahrain, led by Engineer Ali Ahmed Al-Darazi, President of the institution, and Secretary-General Yasser Ghanem Shaheen, held a high-level meeting with the UN Committee Against Torture at the historic Wilson Palace in Geneva. The committee, composed of 10 independent experts, monitors the implementation of the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment or Punishment by its state parties.

During the meeting, President Al-Darazi presented an overview of the NIHR’s parallel report submitted to the committee in response to Bahrain’s Fourth National Report.

The report focuses on three key areas:

1. National Legislation: The first section reviews Bahrain’s legal framework governing the prohibition of torture and other forms of ill-treatment.

2. Institutional Oversight: The second section highlights NIHR’s efforts in monitoring the state’s compliance with its obligations under the Convention, including detailed information on complaints received concerning alleged torture, as well as the follow-up actions taken. This section also covered training and awareness programs conducted by NIHR for law enforcement officials, civil society institutions, and human rights defenders.

3. Recommendations: The final section offers targeted recommendations to strengthen national legislation, ensure fair remedies, and enhance human rights protections in Bahrain.

The committee expressed appreciation for the institution’s work, engaged in a constructive dialogue, and explored ways to further support human rights initiatives, ensuring full implementation of the Convention’s provisions.