Human Rights

The Kingdom of Bahrain believes that the human rights issue is among national constants. Recognition of public rights and freedoms is a commitment to the values of justice, equality, and human dignity of all human beings without discrimination.

Therefore, Bahrain is committed to safeguarding human rights, actively engaging in impactful initiatives that underscore its dedication to ensuring the well-being and freedom of its citizens and residents.

The Kingdom of Bahrain stands as an example of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence, taking a firm stand against all forms of discrimination. This commitment extends across various aspects of society, addressing issues of gender, race, language, political, sectarian, and ethnic disparities. By ensuring equality under the rule of law (PDF, 1.77MB, 168 pages), Bahrain creates an inclusive environment for all its people.

Central to Bahrain's mission is the respect and promotion of human rights, as outlined in its Constitution (PDF, 1.77MB, 168 pages) and the National Action Charter (PDF, 376KB, 29 pages). These key documents establish the rule of law, judicial integrity, and independence as fundamental principles of governance. Bahrain's dedication to human rights is further exemplified by being the first Arab nation to ratify international human rights treaties, showcasing its commitment to the dignity and rights of its citizens and residents within its constitutional and legal frameworks.

The National Institution for Human Rights (NIHR) was established on 10 November 2009 by Royal Order No. 46 of 2009 (PDF, 104KB, 6 pages) with a mandate and powers in line with the Paris Principles (PDF, 23KB, 7 pages) relating to the status of national institutions for the promotion and protection of human rights. In 2014, the Council of Representative and the Shura Council endorsed Law No. 26 of 2014 establishing the National Institution for Human Rights (PDF, 367KB,10 pages). In 2016 his Majesty the King issued Decree Law No. 20 of 2016, to amend some articles (PDF, 150KB, 5 pages) in the pervious law. At the heart of NIHR Strategic & Action Plan 2022 – 2025 (PDF, 1.24MB, 27) is the commitment to develop, promote, and protect the human rights of the citizens and residents of Bahrain. NIHR aims to provide protection and support for individuals to enable them to gain diverse knowledge to exercise their legitimate rights, determine their needs, how to demand and defend these needs by spreading the culture of human rights by all means available.

Bahrain pays special attention to combating trafficking in persons and has been able to attain many distinguished achievements in this field. The Kingdom maintained its Tier 1 Status in the US Department of State Trafficking in Persons Report for the sixth year in a row (2018-2023), being the first Middle East & North Africa (MENA) country with the highest international annual rating. This reflects the efforts of the National Committee for Combatting Trafficking in Persons (NCCTIPs) in combatting Trafficking in Persons (TIPs), providing support services for all citizens and residents at risk.

The Ministry of Interior in Bahrain has introduced several initiatives that ensure that human rights are protected by a robust system of institutions including the establishment of the Ombudsman, Alternative penalties for convicts (PDF, 420KB, 7 pages), Open prisons Complex, and other initiatives that protect detainee and prisoners’ rights.

The Supreme Council for Women (SCW) further reinforces these efforts. The SCW's role in empowering women and fostering equal opportunities is particularly noteworthy, highlighting Bahrain's comprehensive approach to ensuring equal rights and opportunities for all.

The Kingdom has issued many laws regulating the rights of children as ensured by the constitution, including the right to education, good health, entertainment, family custody, and others. These are protected by the Child Law No. (37) of 2012 (PDF, 1830KB, 21 pages)which became the main point of reference for all laws related to children and the protection of their rights.