Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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317. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a person's (details supplied) citizenship has been revoked in Bahrain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18110/16]

Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)
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325. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is aware that the ruling regime in Bahrain has revoked the citizenship and passport of a person (details supplied) and the person will then be considered stateless; and if he will raise this case and the continued human rights violations in Bahrain with his Bahraini counterpart. [18226/16]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 317 and 325 together.

I am aware of the decision by the Bahraini authorities to revoke the citizenship of this person.

The right to a nationality is a fundamental human right. I am aware that since 2014, Bahrain has revoked the citizenship of over 250 people. This is a worrying development, in particular in light of other recent moves in Bahrain to restrict freedom of expression, such as the dissolution of Al Wefaq, the largest opposition political grouping. I call on Bahrain to fully respect its international human rights obligations.

Actions like these increase sectarian divides, and only serve to stall Bahrain’s path towards national reconciliation. This decision has already triggered protests and demonstrations. Preventing people from expressing their views does not quash people’s grievances; it only reinforces them. I call on the protesters and the Bahraini authorities alike to exercise restraint, for the protesters to express their views peacefully and for the authorities to permit them to do this.

This decision also risks increasing regional tensions. I call on all leaders in the region, political and religious, to avoid actions and statements that would further increase these tensions. I urge Bahrain to recommit to an inclusive, peaceful and open dialogue for national reconciliation that will serve the interests of all Bahrainis, regardless of religious beliefs or political preferences.

I stand with our EU partners in continuing to support Bahrain, in promoting further reforms aimed at strengthening human rights and the rule of law in a context free of violence and where freedom of expression is respected.