The Government of Bahrain has submitted its report on implementation of the BICI recommendations to the National Commission on Wednesday, who in turn announced that most recommendations were fully implemented.
A few remaining recommendations require additional legislation and further development, such as addressing professional standards for the media, developing education programs promoting tolerance, compensating those who suffered damage or injury, and preparing a national reconciliation program. However, the government submitted the plans for implementation of these points.
Ali bin Saleh Al Saleh pointed out in the National Commission’s meeting that based on the volume of correspondence received over the past few days requiring its full and comprehensive review to ascertain that actions taken to implement the recommendations are in compliance with best international standards and practices, he has requested an extension of its mandate to be completed within the next 20 days. This would allow the commission to be able to complete its review of all action taken and prepare its final report to be submitted to HM King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa.
Also during yesterdays meeting the Commission reviewed the proposal by the Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments, which was drafted in accordance with the initiative made by the National Commission on the civil settlement for payment of compensation to persons who suffered damage or injury directly and amicably as part of the settlement of the civil claim. This would expedite payment of agreed compensation without prejudice to the rights of those who do not agree to the proposed settlement and opt to resort to civil courts, not withstanding any criminal liability.
The compensation initiative is designed for the benefit of the families of the deceased as stipulated in the BICI report, as well as cases of bodily injury, and any other cases the Ministry of Justice deems appropriate in consultation with the concerned parties. A committee shall be formed at the Ministry including specialists, to be approached by settlement seekers to submit their applications along with supporting documents. Compensation shall be assessed in each case separately, based on relevant civil court rulings.
The National Commission also noted the Government’s response to the proposal made by the Commission for implementing a draft law to protect victims, witnesses and experts, to be presented to the Legislature as soon as possible.
The Government provided the Commission with a copy of the judiciary staff training programs, as well as all the eight draft laws to implement the BICI recommendations, and all the decrees recently issued to implement a number of resolutions. These included the decree to establish an Independent Ombudsman at the Ministry of Interior to receive and investigate complaints made against Public Security personnel, as well as an Independent Ombudsman and a Professional Standards Office at the National Security Agency.
The Commission received a reply to its queries on the interpretation of the term Incitement of Hatred and Sectarianism based on international standards and a detailed report prepared by the Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments on the latest developments on reconstruction of religious structures.