Cablegate: Bahrain: New Government Human Rights Body

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R 161009Z NOV 09
FM AMEMBASSY MANAMA
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 9012
INFO GULF COOPERATION COUNCIL COLLECTIVE
COMUSNAVCENT
HQ USCENTCOM MACDILL AFB FL

UNCLAS MANAMA 000653

STATE FOR NEA AND DRL

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PHUM PGOV BA
SUBJECT: BAHRAIN: NEW GOVERNMENT HUMAN RIGHTS BODY

1. (SBU) King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa issued a decree on
November 11 establishing a National Human Rights Authority (NHRA). According to local press reporting, the new body will review human rights complaints, work with international and domestic human rights organizations, and advise the government on human rights-related legislation. The twenty yet-to-be-appointed members will be drawn from the government, NGOs, and academia.

2.(SBU) Comment: Formation of the NHRA is the GOB's response to a formal recommendation made during its UN Universal Periodic Review earlier this year. Post will follow the selection process and engage with members to gain a better understanding of how the NHRA will define its mission. ERELI

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