U.S. Mission to International
Organizations in Geneva

U.S. Statement at the Universal Periodic Review of Bahrain
As Delivered by Mr. Jesse Lynch

UPR 41st Session, November 7, 2022

Thank you, Mr. President.

The United States welcomes the distinguished delegation from Bahrain.

We recommend that Bahrain:

• Remove restrictions on peaceful assembly and association by eliminating the continuing prohibition on public demonstrations and allowing political societies to engage in meetings without restriction.
• Release all persons detained solely for the exercise of their right to freedom of expression or their right to peaceful assembly and repeal all legislative provisions criminalizing the exercise of these rights.
• Amend the Bahraini Citizenship Act to grant citizenship to the children of Bahraini women married to non-Bahraini men.

We appreciate investigations of security forces for alleged human rights abuses and prosecutions of some of those found responsible but remain concerned about the lack of transparency surrounding such investigations.

We commend Bahrain for strengthening legal protections for children and juvenile offenders, and for its alternative sentencing initiatives.

I thank you.

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