Four Irish MPs highlighted the ongoing human rights violations in Bahrain, particularly the case of Dr Abduljalil Al-Singace.
Representative Brendan Griffin asked the Secretary of State for his views on human rights abuses in Bahrain.
Sinn Fein MP John Brady then asked the government’s silence on Bahrain’s issues at the most recent meeting of the United Nations Human Rights Council.
Minister Simon Coveney answered these questions together, highlighting the importance of human rights in Irish foreign policy and the contribution that the Republic of Ireland makes to the European Union.
He cited the last EU-Bahrain dialogue on human rights in February 2021, where the Irish delegation had already raised issues of concern to the Bahraini authorities.
Minister Coveney also stated that “officials in my ministries have raised their concerns about the human rights situation in Bahrain directly with the Bahraini authorities, including the private case of Dr Abduljalil Al-Singace.”
He stressed that “Ireland will continue to monitor developments in Bahrain, and call on the Bahraini government to fulfil its stated commitment to making progress concerning human rights.”
The Secretary of State faced more questions regarding Bahrain. Representative Paul Murphy, the representative of the political party People Before Profit-solidarity, asked if the minister would introduce a resolution at the Human Rights Council to address ongoing human rights abuses.
Subsequently, MP Catherine Murphy of the Social Democrats asked whether Mr Coveney had contacted his Bahraini counterpart about growing concerns about human rights abuses.
Once again, Coveney answered questions, stating that we “constantly seek to raise our concerns on human rights issues through the most appropriate and effective channels.”
Americans for Democracy & Human Rights in Bahrain considered this a promising step in the right direction as Bahrain continues to rise on the Irish foreign affairs agenda.
The four MPs are constantly raising this issue, thus putting increasing pressure on the Irish government to take action against the Bahraini government’s egregious abuses.
