(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) Bahrain criticized Thursday Amnesty International's latest human rights report which it says "did not reflect important clarifications provided by the Government on substantial points of fact." In a statement carried the official Bahrain news agency (BNA), the Bahraini government said that it's reviewing the content (Amnesty report), including a series of anonymous allegations it contains, and recommendations.
The statement added that Bahrain is committed to the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, and continues to consistently demonstrate this over recent years.
The government is disappointed that despite receiving Bahrain's full cooperation during Amnesty's visit and preparation of its report, in its hurry to publish the report for media attention, Amnesty did not reflect important clarifications provided by the Government on substantial points of fact.
This has resulted in significant shortcomings in the report, which could have easily been avoided, if greater rigor and less haste had been applied.
While the report fleetingly acknowledges the fundamental institutional and legal reforms, Bahrain has undertaken in the past four years as "a significant step forward", it glosses over these highly significant strides and the work of international experts and governmental partners.
These efforts have culminated in the establishment of several independent oversight mechanisms including an independent Ombudsman, a Prisoners' and Detainees' Rights Commission, a Special Investigations Unit, and a National Institution for Human Rights to further strengthen legal guarantees for the protection of human rights, and to ensure accountability and justice.
These institutions, while newly established, gained international recognition including from the EU, which awarded National Institution for Human Rights and the Ombudsman's Office the Chaillot award for the Gulf region in 2014.
These countries set high human rights standards, and Bahrain welcomes their support and endorsement.
Amnesty's report also fundamentally misreports Bahrain's respect of the rights to freedom of opinion and expression and to peaceful assembly.
These rights are protected by Bahrain's constitution, and the government continues to uphold them robustly.
Yet as any other responsible government, the government of Bahrain will not tolerate violent attacks or incitement to violence committed under the guise of free speech and peaceful protest.
It is the government's duty to protect citizens, residents, and visitors alike and the government makes no apology for doing so. Bahrain will respond to such attacks in accordance with its law and best international practices.
Bahrain has a strong track record of openness to dialogue and cooperation with human rights organizations, allied countries and the United Nations.
It will continue this cooperation and to welcome accurate and factual reporting on developments and accomplishments in the country, the statement concluded.
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