On 12 March 2026, Americans for Democracy & Human Rights in Bahrain (ADHRB) delivered an intervention during the 61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, under the General Debate of Item 3. The organization highlighted ongoing human rights violations in Bahrain, including arbitrary arrests, torture, and systematic repression of human rights defenders and political prisoners. ADHRB called on the Council to strengthen protection for human rights defenders, ensure they are not subjected to any form of reprisal, secure the release of all political prisoners, and guarantee the restoration of their civil and economic rights.
I address you as a Bahraini human rights defender and torture survivor, who spent ten years in Jau Prison for taking part in peaceful protests.
During my detention, I demanded respect for the minimum legal and humanitarian guarantees, which led to further restrictions and mistreatment. After my release, I continued to document violations and peacefully advocate for prisoners’ rights. In response, I faced retaliatory measures, including arrest, prosecution, and dismissal from my job, due to my human rights work.
What I endured is not an isolated case. It reflects a broader reality in which human rights defenders face ongoing risks, including detention, harassment, and the loss of their livelihoods.
This intervention comes 15 years after the arrest of prominent defenders, some of whom remain imprisoned to this day, while the same challenges persist.
I also wish to stress that the release of political prisoners remains incomplete unless it is accompanied by genuine guarantees for the restoration of their civil and economic rights and their reintegration into society.
I renew my call for the release of all political prisoners and human rights defenders, in particular AbdulHadi AlKhawaja and Dr. AbdulJalil AlSingace, and for an end to the implementation of death sentences.
I urge the Council to strengthen the protection of human rights defenders and to ensure that they are not subjected to any form of reprisal.
