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At Its 146th Session: BFHR Submits Two Reports to UN Human Rights Committee The Bahrain Forum for Human Rights (BFHR) has submitted two reports to the UN Human Rights Committee (CCPR) ahead of its 146th session, scheduled for October 19 to November 6, 2026, to contribute to the preparation of the List of Issues Prior to Reporting (LOIPR) for Bahrain. The first report details developments regarding civil and political rights in Bahrain as documented by BFHR between January 1 and August 22, 2026. It addresses legal restrictions and state practices relative to Bahrain’s obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). According to BFHR data, the report documents 825 arbitrary arrests and 374 summonses, alongside violations affecting freedom of expression, assembly, religion, and political participation, as well as cases of enforced disappearance, torture, and citizenship revocation. It also includes recommendations and proposed questions for the UN committee regarding legislative and practical measures needed to ensure compliance with the Covenant and to protect fundamental rights and freedoms. The second report, jointly prepared by BFHR and the International Centre for Supporting Rights and Freedoms (ICSRF), focuses on the arrest, detention, and prosecution of Shia clerics during 2026, restrictions on Ja'fari religious institutions and practices, and the extent to which these measures conform with Bahrain’s obligations under the ICCPR. The joint report documents the arrest of 59 clerics between March 6 and June 24, 2026, including 44 individuals detained on a single day, May 9, following home raids. It further highlights allegations of mistreatment, coercion, threats, and sectarian insults, alongside issues concerning fair trial guarantees and defendants' access to legal counsel and case files. Additionally, the report addresses restrictions on Shia religious life and Ja'fari institutions, including measures affecting the administration of Ja'fari Endowments, congregation halls (ma'tams), and religious processions. It notes that 53 ma'tams announced the cancellation of mourning processions following restrictions imposed in July 2026. Both reports call on the Human Rights Committee to raise these matters with Bahraini authorities and to take measures ensuring respect for freedom of religion, belief, expression, and assembly, as well as guaranteeing fair trials and protection from torture, ill-treatment, and discrimination, in line with Bahrain’s obligations under the ICCPR. |