Bahrain

Humanitarian groups urge foreign secretary to issue correction to a recent report, amid fears it could provide cover for repression in the Gulf state.

[HRW and Bird published a joint report ](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-63175535)claiming Bahrain security services supported by the UK have been accused of “serious and persistent” human rights abuses. The FCDO’s latest report praises Bahrain for its restorative justice law for children as a “progressive step” without mentioning failures to protect key rights, the letter said. At the time, the Bahrain embassy in London said the country had a “zero tolerance policy towards mistreatment of any kind” and had put in place human rights safeguards and checks and balances. This is happening while the UK government continues to fund institutions which are implicated in torture and human rights abuses.” Worse, in indulging and repeating the lie that Bahrain is engaged in meaningful human rights reform, ministers are providing diplomatic cover for continued repression.” It states: “Bahrain took positive steps in 2021.” HRW’s report for the same period found “continuing heavy repression”.