National Action Charter

The National Action Charter is a national document which represents Bahraini citizens, their aspirations, their community, its requirements, and its development.

On the 14th of February each year, the Kingdom of Bahrain celebrates the anniversary of the National Action Charter (PDF, 376KB, 29 pages), a comprehensive document for reform and modernisation, which symbolises His Majesty the King, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s reform project, which he pledged to implement since taking the reins on 6th March, 1999. This is important occasion for the Bahraini public which paved the way for democratic reform.

The National Action Charter (PDF, 376KB, 29 pages) was issued in December 2000. It specifies the essential components of what makes up the Kingdom of Bahrain, as well as its cultural, historical, Arab, and Islamic identity. It identifies the main components of state and society, and Bahrain’s relationship with GCC, Arab, and other countries.

A public referendum was carried out on 14th February 2001, which was approved by 98.4% of Bahrainis. The National Action Charter was then issued, which has been described by His Majesty the King as a historic breakthrough for Bahrain, and which contained many of the political and economic principles that affirmed its democratic approach.

Constitutional amendments made following the National Action Charter signaled a new era of reform and development for Bahrain. All the laws that were in violation of the charter’s principles and direction were abolished or amended.