NIHR stresses Judiciary's independence

Manama, Apr. 22 (BNA): The National Institution for Human Rights (NIHR) has affirmed its follow-up on reports issued by some foreign parties on the human rights situation in Bahrain. The NIHR stressed that it respects and welcomes all the relevant points of view that may consolidate and protect human rights in the kingdom. The NIHR said that based on its broad mandate, it affirms the following: First: The independence of the Judicial Branch in the Kingdom of Bahrain, in accordance with the national constitutional and legal framework, and in line with the principles contained in international and regional human rights instruments, in particular the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the Arab Charter on Human Rights (ACHR) and the Human Rights Declaration of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states.  Second: The NIHR, through its announced and unannounced visits to the reformation, rehabilitation and remand centres, affirms that there is no systematic torture policy in the Kingdom of Bahrain, with emphasis on the existence of the Special Investigation Unit, which is a specialised and independent judicial unit with a mandate to investigating into allegations of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. Third: The NIHR signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Office of the Inspector-General at the National Security Agency, in order to train its employees on basic human rights principles. The first batch of trainees is being trained this year. Fourth: The NIHR, represented by its permanent committees and relevant work teams, continues to monitor the health conditions of prisoners and inmates, and to receive complaints and requests for continuous assistance in this regard, stressing the cooperation of the Ministry of the Interior and other relevant authorities which are related to providing appropriate health care. Fifth: The NIHR welcomes the cooperation with the Office of Professional Standards at the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Code of Conduct for its staff, which raises the capacities of those concerned with regard to human rights and public freedoms. The NHRI reiterated its welcome of constructive cooperation with all internal and external parties regarding access to any information, data, figures or facts related to the human rights situation in the Kingdom of Bahrain.