On 5 March 2026, NGOs delivered an intervention during the 61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, highlighting violations of the right to work and freedom of peaceful assembly in Bahrain. The statement drew attention to the worsening unemployment crisis since late 2025 and the authorities’ repression of peaceful protests by unemployed citizens, including the detention of more than 20 individuals for exercising their constitutional rights. NGOs also raised concern over the repeated harassment and arrests of unemployed activist Mohamed Abdulla AlSankis and called on Bahrain to end the harassment of individuals advocating for the right to work and to engage in meaningful dialogue to ensure sustainable and decent employment opportunities.
We draw the Council’s attention to the deteriorating situation regarding the right to work and freedom of assembly in Bahrain.
Since late 2025, a worsening unemployment crisis, amid employers’ preference for foreign labor over local workers, has left many Bahrainis without decent jobs or wages. While official figures cite a 6.3% unemployment rate, the real figure is likely higher. When citizens raised these concerns through peaceful sit-ins, visits to relevant governmental entities, and social media advocacy, the authorities responded with systematic repression rather than dialogue.
In January 2026, security forces forcibly dispersed peaceful gatherings for unemployed protesters, detaining over 20 citizens for exercising their constitutional rights.
We are particularly concerned by the targeting of 60-year-old unemployed activist Mohamed Abdulla AlSankis, who has faced repeated arrests and harassment for seeking reinstatement.
We urge the Council to call on Bahrain to cease the harassment of individuals advocating for the right to work and engage in meaningful, good-faith dialogue with unemployed citizens to provide sustainable, decent jobs.
