Statement by the Ministry of Human Rights and Social Development

The Ministry of Human Rights and Social Development welcomes the report of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry (BICI) which is the result of intensive work over several months and which demonstrates the government’s absolute commitment to determine the truth of what happened even if it means exposing shortcomings. The report promotes reconciliation and respect and seeks to protect human rights in the country.

The BICI conducted an unbiased investigation which permitted a thorough and useful analysis of the circumstances of the events, together with an analysis of the reasons behind them. With the aim of achieving an objective analysis of events, the authorities ensured that an unprecedented level of transparency and openness prevailed. The Ministry of Human Rights and Social Development considers the professional work undertaken by BICI to be of the utmost importance and would like to thank its members for the time and effort which they have committed to the investigation of the events that occurred in Bahrain.

The Ministry of Human Rights and Social Development expresses its hope that the publication of the BICI report will lead to the strengthening of trust in society. It is our intention that Bahrain should continue to learn from and reflect on the events of this year; the Ministry of Human Rights is committed to taking all measures necessary to help re-establish confidence between the different segments of society and to build a strong culture of human rights in Bahrain. The Ministry is hopeful that, with the cooperation of our international partners, a process of healing and reconciliation can succeed in preventing the reoccurrence of these events.

The Ministry throughout the period of the events maintained a close, efficient and constructive cooperation with international human rights organizations. We hope to continue this cooperation in this period following the publication of the report.

The Ministerial Working Group in the Kingdom has begun work to develop a time frame to implement the recommendations of the report in collaboration with international human rights organizations. His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa King of Bahrain in his speech during the presentation of the report, has ordered the rapid implementation of those recommendations. The Ministry of Human Rights and Social Development, intend to fully support the positive trend that we see towards reconciliation and coexistence in Bahraini society. The Ministry of Human Rights and Social Development, in a spirit of co-operation, has initiated a frank discussion of the BICI report with our local and international partners in order to allow us to hear and reflect upon the different perspectives on the report, and the different opinions regarding how best to respond to and implement its recommendations.

The work of the Independent Commission of Inquiry is a testimony to the commitment of the authorities of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the principles and norms of international law, openness and transparency. The government and the people strive to learn from the events of earlier this year. Bahrain is fully committed to taking all measures necessary to deal with and address the issues highlighted by these events. Most importantly, we are all committed to a fair, just and equitable future in which the human rights of all Bahrainis are respected and protected.