Government Response

In addition to the above-mentioned Council that monitors any content that provokes sectarian hatred, or violence, the Government of Bahrain is considering suggestion (in consultation with international experts) for a new draft law based on Article No. 20 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to prevent incitement to violence, hatred and sectarianism.

Government Response

The government of Bahrain reported that it was provided with the legal interpretation of the term (incitement and hatred). It attached the interpretation in its reply, noting that the articles (152, 172 301 309, and 311) of the Penal Code have included this issue as well.

At the aim of solving this issue more broadly in line with the requirements of the Article (20) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which became part of internal legislation in the Kingdom, that is the article that bans provoking national or racial or religious hatred and constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence, the government is working with several international bodies with expertise in the field of human rights legislation to criminalise the content of this article, commensurate with the requirements of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The reply was sent on February 28, 2012.

Government Response

A copy was attached about the steps that the Government of Bahrain and its various bodies have taken to implement the recommendation which also respond to other recommendations and inquiries:

1- The national plan for social and economic reconciliation which is prepared by the Ministry of Human Rights and Social Development.

2- The Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Ministry of Education and the International Commission on Education, a unit of UNESCO, which responds to the recommendation No. 1725, paragraph (a) as well.

3- Media reform plan prepared by the Commission of Public Information, which responds to the recommendation No. 1724, paragraphs (a), (b), and (c) as well.

The initiative of civil settlement undertaken by the Ministry of Justice and Islamic Affairs and Endowments, which respond to the recommendation No. 1722 paragraphs (j) and (k) as well.