The Deputy will be aware that I have on numerous occasions made clear my serious concerns regarding the overall human rights record in Bahrain and the need for positive actions on the part of the Bahraini government to improve the situation. I am aware of the news report in question regarding a meeting which took place on 30 June between the Secretary General of my Department and senior officials in the Bahraini Ministry of Human Rights. The Secretary General was in Bahrain as Head of the Irish Delegation attending the annual EU-GCC (Gulf Co-operation Council) ministerial meeting and availed of the opportunity to request this meeting in order to discuss human rights issues.
The news report in question was incomplete and did not convey a full record of the discussions which took place. The Secretary General, drawing on the lessons of our own peace process for the situation in Bahrain, emphasised that respect for human rights was an essential element in conflict resolution. In this regard, he welcomed the intention of the Bahraini authorities to undertake a joint initiative on human rights training with another EU member state and made clear Ireland’s willingness to extend any practical co-operation we could which might be considered of assistance. The Secretary General pointed to the damage caused to the image of Bahrain by the recent troubles and made clear that the release of certain prisoners, including the Irish-trained medical professionals, would have a positive impact on international opinion.
