18th Oct, 2012 –
We agree with the Foreign Affairs Committee on the principle that Britain and other countries should take action to censure countries which are abusing the human rights of their citizens and which are not taking action to address these abuses. However, we will argue below that Bahrain is not one of these countries.
While we will not dispute that grave errors were made and abuses did take place between February and March 2011 – a period where civil order in Bahrain came close to complete collapse – this period should not be looked at in isolation, without studying the substantive measures which have been taken to put matters right in the 18 months since then.
To summarize; instead of adopting the failed and immoral policy of repression (as we saw in Yemen, Syria, Egypt, Tunisia and Libya); once the worst of the civil disturbances were over from mid-March 2011, the King of Bahrain embarked on a process of National Dialogue. Furthermore, he commissioned an independent inquiry by a respected international judge (the BICI); he accepted the conclusions and recommendations of that inquiry in full and he launched a series of initiatives in order to ensure full implementation of those recommendations. These included a complete overhaul of the justice and security sectors; and far-reaching constitutional amendments. Bahrain was thus able to return to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva last month and report full implementation of over 90% of the recommendations from Bahrain’s Universal Periodic Review.
A Government which has acknowledged its mistakes – the King even apologized for the abuses logged in the BICI report – and is conscientiously acting to put matters right should not be the subject of punitive measures by other states. Prime Minister David Cameron was right: “Bahrain is not Syria”.
Bahrain is arguably one of the most progressive states in the Gulf region: We have a Constitutional Monarchy reforming its way towards a more democratic, accountable and representative system. Visitors will find a tolerant, open and liberal country where the rights of women, minorities and all religions are respected and freedom of expression is at the centre of our constitution.
In short, Bahrain deserves Britain’s solidarity and support in addressing its shortcomings. We welcome the fact that as a friendly nation the British Government has on occasions voiced its concerns, and Bahrain has been able to address these concerns in the context of a constructive and warm relationship. We welcome the fact that Britain has broadly eschewed the policy of finger-wagging and carrot-and-stick, or the policy of threats and boycotts which certain MPs seem to be advocating. This is not the way to act towards a friendly sovereign nation which is doing its utmost to act in the interest of its citizens and the international community.
Boycotting an event like the Grand Prix – an event which gives us great national pride and brings revenue, visitors and global attention to our country – would be a disaster for Bahrain. Just because the British Government has taken a particular position regarding particular football events in the Ukraine, does not mean that Britain should countenance using such a blunt policy tool in all circumstances, regardless of the effects on the people and the economy of that country.
We are aware that opposition groups, often labeling themselves as human rights activists have been continually harassing British MPs, politicians and civil servants with exaggerated and incorrect allegations. We ask Britain to continue to listen to all sides of the story and to act in the interests of all Bahrainis, not an extremist minority.
When protests first appeared in Bahrain, many Bahrainis – including some now associated with Citizens for Bahrain – sympathized with the calls for reform, fighting corruption and greater social justice. However, what began as a broadly peaceful and broad-based phenomenon, rapidly mutated into something very different. Prominent opposition figures put their names to a call for the forcible establishment of an Islamic Republic along Iranian lines and calls for democracy gave way to a thinly veiled sectarian agenda.
One result of this was that intellectuals, the middle classes, progressive and liberal figures, Sunnis and students deserted the protest movement en masse, in disgust at the growing radicalization and the adoption of violent methods. Those who seized control of the opposition movement rejected dialogue, scorned moves towards reform, incited violence against the security forces and made it clear that their aims were full blown revolution; even though this would go deeply against the interests of most segments of Bahraini society.
Bahrain has always sought to avoid handling political issues along sectarian lines and despite the efforts of religious hardliners, Bahrain’s leaders have always fought to protect cultural tolerance, diversity and freedoms. A careful look at the prominent figures of influence in the opposition demonstrates that these are not liberal and progressive individuals; and that if they were allowed to seize the agenda Bahrainis would have good reason to fear the consequences. We only need cite the example of Iraq, where simplistic democratic aspirations gave way to a sectarian bloodbath and a political model which few countries would wish to emulate. Please think very carefully before telling us what you think is best for Bahrain.
Bahrainis want reform, not bloody and chaotic revolution. If you look at the constitutional amendments which have recently been introduced, these involve a fundamental restructuring of the relationship between Government and elected MPs. The elected house of Parliament is now the decisive body vis-à-vis the unelected Shura Council and MPs have the powers to question and dismiss ministers, right up to the level of Prime Minister. We hope that the United Kingdom’s MPs are not telling us that a Constitutional Monarchy with a bicameral Parliamentary system is an inappropriate political system for Bahrain!
We are not attempting here to claim that Bahrain’s government is infallible. Grave mistakes have been made along the way. However, Britain and other friendly nations act in the best interest of Bahrainis when they engage in a constructive manner to encourage Bahrain’s leaders to address these matters and abide by their commitments. The King of Bahrain is universally recognized as a progressive-minded reformer and in the decade since he came to the throne we have seen a new constitution, a steady process of reforms and consistent efforts to bring Bahrain into line with the rule of law and its human rights obligations.
During the worst of the Northern Ireland ‘troubles’, Great Britain adopted a number of illiberal measures which certainly wouldn’t meet with contemporary human rights norms, but in the midst of a situation of national crisis these measures were deemed by decision-makers to be necessary for the restoration of order and protection of civilians. The crisis which hit Bahrain in February 2011 was completely unforeseen and arguably the Government was largely unprepared. Certain measures that were taken were inappropriate and the abuses which were allowed to occur almost certainly made a bad situation worse. This is not an argument for ignoring human rights obligations. However, a distinction should be drawn regimes like those of Qadhafi which deliberately and calculatedly seek to murder their way out of trouble; and Governments like those of Britain and Bahrain which even in scenarios of national crisis will endeavour to manage both national security and the rights and freedoms of all citizens.
It is all too easy to grandstand from a distance. However, the situation in Bahrain is complex and challenging. Bahrainis have endured 18 months of riots, civil disturbances and social tensions. We welcome the fact that our Government is simultaneously seeking to ensure public order and the safety of citizens; while trying to encourage opposition factions back into dialogue and enact the necessary reforms. After nearly two years of firebombs, road closures, tear gas and burning tyres we want our country back and for the economy to thrive again so that there can be jobs, opportunities and prosperity for all.
Please do not give undue attention to the voices of militants, and please do not just take official statements of Bahrain’s Government at face value. Britain and other nations act in Bahrain’s national interest when they listen to the diverse voices of ordinary Bahrainis who want safety and opportunities for their children; who want the freedoms to live as they choose; and who want to see their nation thrive.