It is right to expect Bahrain to meet all of its human rights obligations and adhere to international standards, and I am therefore pleased that in the previous parliament, Conservative Ministers worked closely with the Bahraini Government to address allegations of torture and mistreatment.
The Foreign Office has been following progress in this area closely through its Human Rights and Democracy Report. The Report indicates that Bahrain is continuing to implement the recommendations of the 2011 Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry (BICI), which highlighted many of the human rights issues the country faces. However, it also states that many of the reforms are proceeding too slowly. To help support the Bahrain, the UK is providing a comprehensive package of reform assistance, with a focus on strengthening human rights and the rule of law.
There are still serious concerns relating to the accountability of police personnel, and the investigation and sentencing of those alleged to have committed torture and mistreatment. It is important that the Government of Bahrain reinstate the visit of the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture, which was postponed in 2013 for the second time.