Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, RISE)
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385. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the widespread detention of prominent human rights activists, journalists and opposition leaders in Bahrain in view of the deteriorating situation in terms of human rights in the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28133/20]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The human rights situation in Bahrain remains a matter of serious concern. Although Bahrain has repeatedly stated its commitment to improving its human rights record and safeguarding human rights as enshrined in the Bahraini Constitution, we are concerned by ongoing instances of violations of fundamental freedoms, including violations of freedom of opinion and expression, as well as the targeting of human rights defenders.

Respect for human rights is an integral part of Ireland’s foreign policy and we consistently seek to raise our concerns on human rights issues through the most appropriate and effective channels. Our active participation at the UN Human Rights Council is particularly important in that regard. Ireland has raised the case of human rights in Bahrain at that forum, in the form of national statements and its support to EU Statements.

Ireland also engages on the issue of human rights in Bahrain through the EU. At the most recent informal EU-Bahrain Human Rights dialogue in November 2019, issues discussed included the right to a fair trial, prison conditions, and the overall human rights situation in the country. The EU Special Representative for Human Rights, Eamon Gilmore, has also made representations to the Bahraini authorities on human rights issues, including the detention of human rights defenders as well as the conditions of their detention.

Our principled stance on human rights also feeds into our bilateral dialogue and we raise our human rights concerns directly with the Bahraini authorities at every suitable opportunity. When I met the Bahraini Foreign Minister at the UN General Assembly in New York in September 2019, I raised the human rights situation in Bahrain with him, expressing the hope that we can have an open and honest discussion on these issues. My officials regularly meet with the Bahraini authorities to discuss the full range of bilateral and multilateral issues, including human rights.

Ireland will continue to monitor developments in Bahrain, and to call on the Bahraini Government to deliver on its stated commitment to make progress in relation to human rights.