Bahrain accuses the UN of politicisation

Bahraini Foreign Minister Shaikh Khalid Bin Ahmad Al Khalifa said on Monday that his country would not respond to any attempt to blackmail the country, saying, “The Kingdom of Bahrain does not care about any voice that seeks to blackmail it from abroad, and particularly the Human Rights Council”, reported Bahrain News Agency.

At a joint press conference with the Secretary-General of the Arab League Ahmad Abul Gheit, Bahraini Foreign Minister criticized the level of politicization of the United Nations body.

“The office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights should deal with Bahrain in a serious manner and to distance itself from political stances that do not serve any situation in any way”, said Shaikh Khalid Bin Ahmad Al Khalifa, affirming that his country was among the top countries to cooperate with the Human Rights Council.

According to Gulf news , Bahraini talks with Abul Gheit focused on shared Arab action, the situations in Syria and Yemen, relations with neighboring countries, and terrorism and the existence of a clear vision on how to deal with it.

“As secretary-general of the Arab League, I stand strongly with Bahrain against any external threats, and there are resolutions adopted by the Arab league to support Bahrain,” the Secretary-General of the Arab League Ahmad Abul Gheit told Bahrain News Agency.

“We will always stand by you, and I am confident that Bahrain will be on the right track that ensures progress and prosperity”, added Abul Gheit.

Regarding the attitude of Bahrain towards the Human Rights Council, UN rights experts have urged Bahrain on August to end persecution of Shia.

“The systematic harassment of the Shia population by the authorities in Bahrain, including stripping many of them of citizenship, is deeply concerning”, experts said on the website of the UN Human Rights Office of High Commissioner. “Shias in Bahrain are clearly being targeted on the basis of their religion,” they highlighted.