Bahrain Mirror: United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders Michel Forst expressed serious concern about allegations of ongoing travel ban imposed on human rights activists, particularly that these allegations refer to reprisals against their cooperation with the United Nations.

In his report presented to the Human Rights Council in its 40th session, the Special Rapporteur expressed his fears that such measures have an unavoidable detrimental effect on the work of human rights activist, especially if it required traveling abroad.

The rapporteur indicated that he is concerned about the frequent use of the travel ban and the restrictions imposed on human rights defenders that affect the society as a whole in Bahrain.

Forst urged the Bahraini government to provide clarifications on the ongoing and growing practice of imposing travel bans and restrictions that prevent Bahraini human rights defenders from participating in activities related to the UN human rights mechanisms and other international organizations.

Arabic Version