§ Lord Aveburyasked Her Majesty's Govnerment:
What information they have received from the government of Bahrain about the activities of the Human Rights Committee of the Shura Council and the reasons why that government refused to allow 38WA the formation of a non-governmental human rights committee. [HL4448]
§ Baroness Scotland of AsthalThe Shura Human Rights Committee's responsibilities include:
- promoting links and enhancing relations with international organisations concerned with human rights
- studying all legislation and rules practised in Bahrain concerning human rights
- proposing amendments on developing awareness of human rights
- following up human rights issues
- proposing suitable human rights resolutions
- conducting studies and researches in human rights
- activating joint work with similar Gulf, Arab and international committees.
The Bahraini Government believes the committee, still in its infancy, should be allowed to establish itself before considering proposals for a non-governmental committee.