Joe O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Green Party)
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288. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the situation in Bahrain in which the Government is using revocation of citizenship as a tool of oppression; if he has raised the matter with the Bahraini Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42736/20]

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 the revocation of citizenship.

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 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 2019 the revoking of nationality was discussed, with the EU raising concerns about this practice.

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. 

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