Despite UNIDO award, women’s rights may be trending down in Bahrain

On 22 November 2016, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa was presented the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) Award. The award recognizes Bahrain’s role in developing economic opportunities for empowering women and youth. The Bahrain Model for Economic Empowerment, an initiative started through UNIDO and the Bahraini government’s partnership, is reportedly being replicated in[…]

Despite Tragedies, Saudi Arabia Prioritizes Profits over Pilgrims

Last week, almost 2 million people traveled to Saudi Arabia to complete the Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca that every capable Muslim must carry out at least once in their lives. Despite its scheduled occurrence, the sudden influx of pilgrims poses numerous safety and security risks.  The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), during[…]

Bahrain hajj policy is a major step backwards for women’s rights

Bahrain’s Ministry of Islamic and Judicial Affairs has announced a new policy requiring Bahraini women under the age of 45 must be accompanied by a male guardian in order to hajj, a religious pilgrimage in Mecca. Local newspaper Al Wasat has reported that the new policy will be implemented in 2017. The restriction is one[…]