Bahrain said that it would reconsider its cooperation with any biased human rights organisation which lacks objectivity, deceives the public opinion and advocates a politically-tainted-agenda.
The measure would also include any watchdog that seeks to serve its financiers, to the detriment of Bahrain’s national interests, security and stability.
The Ministry of Human Rights Affairs voiced the stance, vowing that Bahrain would always remain an oasis of human rights.
In a statement issued he voiced his dismay over the statement issued by Human Rights Watch (HRW) on February 28 at the headquarters of the Bahrain Human Rights Society.
It dismissed the (HRW) declaration as being inaccurate, out of touch with reality and unfair, accusing the international watchdog of being ill-intentioned against Bahrain.
“The Kingdom of Bahrain has nothing to hide when it comes to dealing with international human rights organisations”, the ministry said, affirming its commitment ever since it was established to open up all channels of communication and build bridges with international watchdogs.
The procedure is in line with recommendations of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry on streamlining measures for international NGOs to enter Bahrain and keep abreast on its human rights achievements.
The international NGOs have visited Bahrain 75 times since February 2011, an average of three NGOs per month, which reflects the Kingdom’s openness in dealing with foreign watchdogs.
The ministry deplored the biased HRW statement which failed to acknowledge any reforms, thus ignoring tangible human rights achievements.
It cited particularly the appointment of an ombudsman as well as general inspectors at the interior ministry and the national security agency to probe complaints lodge against the security forces.
“The Human Rights Watch didn’t see all these human rights strides and other landmark achievements”, the ministry said, casting doubts on the methodology and politically-tainted agenda of this watchdog against the Kingdom of Bahrain.
The HRW delegation has been allowed to enter Bahrain and get updated on human rights developments.
The ministry has arranged for the delegation to meet senior officials, NGOs, individuals in total transparency.
It slammed the HRW statement which claimed that the Government endorses laws, ignoring the crucial role played by the National Assembly in passing legislations.
It also accused the international watchdog of classifying citizens on sectarian and religious bases.
“Bahrain does deal with its citizens in this way, being all equal before the law, including residents”, it said.
It affirmed that Bahrain would never be a sectarian-driven country, being a haven of peaceful co-existence, tolerance and amity between all religions and sects.