Switzerland signs joint statement on Bahrain

The 20th session of the UN Human Rights Council is underway in Geneva Keystone

Twenty-seven countries, including Switzerland, have signed a joint statement on the human rights situation in Bahrain. The document tells Bahrain’s government that the UN Human Rights Council will keep a close watch on the situation.

The cross-regional statement, presented in Geneva on Thursday, calls for implementing the recommendations of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry – including the release of political prisoners. The 27 nations also asked Bahrain to ensure accountability for those in government who have committed abuses.

“We are particularly concerned about the consequences faced by those who protested for democratic change in a peaceful manner. We call upon the Bahraini government to fully respect their rights of freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association and especially to ensure the protection of Human Rights Defenders,” reads the two-page statement.

It also expresses its desire for Bahrain to agree on a comprehensive cooperation plan with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, plus a permanent presence for an OHCHR office in Bahrain.

The statement was signed by Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Mexico, Montenegro, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Switzerland.