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Bahrain denies it plans to open UNHRC office

MANAMA - Bahrain has denied opening an Office for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCR )next November here.

In response to a a statement attributed to a UN official on a the opening of the office, carried by some local newspapers, the Ministry of Human Rights said that the story was not true and lacked accuracy and credibility.

The ministry said that there was no agreement to open a permanent office of the UNHCR in Bahrain in November, as stated by the Resident Coordinator of the United Nations in Bahrain, and that the opening of such an office is a sovereign issue which requires a consent from the government of Bahrain first. The ministry also said that such issue was not discussed, even with the competent authorities, and that Bahrain does not need to open such an office in the foreseeable future or either the far seeable future.

The ministry also highlighted that Bahrain seeks to safeguard human rights which are constitutionally ensured, taking serious steps to modernise the legislative system of human rights.

On the other hand, the ministry asserted that it has ongoing communications with UN officials, prestigious rights organisations to benefit from their experiences in developing the human rights practices in Bahrain, pointing out Bahrain candidate’s winning of the membership of the Advisory Committee of the Human Rights Council.

shamada@khaleejtimes.com