Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 23 March 2022
73. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the extent of the violent suppression of democracy in Bahrain; if there is a reason that Ireland is silent on human rights violations there; if Ireland is willing to take a hard stance against these abuses through a joint statement and resolution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15237/22]
View answerRespect for human rights is an integral part of Ireland’s foreign policy and we consistently seek to raise our concerns on human rights issues through the most appropriate and effective channels.
I am aware of the concerns regarding the human rights situation in Bahrain. Officials from my Department have raised concerns over the human rights situation in Bahrain directly with the Bahraini authorities, including the issue of freedom of expression, detention of human rights defenders, and conditions in prisons.
Ireland also engages on the issue of human rights in Bahrain as a member of the European Union. At the most recent EU-Bahrain Human Rights Dialogue in February 2021, issues of concern were raised by the EU including rule of law, prison conditions, right to a fair trial, freedom of expression, freedom of association, death penalty, torture and the impact of Covid-19 on the human rights situation.
The EU Special Representative for Human Rights, Eamon Gilmore, has also made representations directly to the Bahraini authorities on human rights issues.
Ireland will continue to monitor developments in Bahrain, and calls on the Bahraini Government to deliver on its stated commitment to make progress in relation to human rights.
