Establishment

The National Institution for Human Rights was established by Law 26/2014, amended by Law-Decree 20/2016.

Role and functions

Pursuant to Article 12 of the Law, the National Institution has a broad mandate to promote and protect human rights, including to:

• Participate in the production and implementation of a national plan for the promotion and protection of human rights
• Examine domestic legislation and regulations related to human rights, and recommend amendments
• Consider the conformity of domestic legislation and regulations with regional and international human rights treaties and submit proposals and recommendations to the competent authorities that promote and protect human rights
• Submit parallel reports and participate in the drafting and discussion of the Kingdom's periodic reports regarding the implementation of regional and international human rights conventions
• Monitor and investigate human rights violations including recommending initiatives to end to such violations and comment, where necessary, on the reactions and positions of the competent authorities
• Receive, examine and consider and assist in the resolution of complaints related to human rights
• Conduct announced and unannounced field visits to monitor human rights situation in correctional institutions, detention centres, labour gatherings, health and education centres and other public places
• Cooperate with authorities concerned with cultural, media and educational affairs to promote a culture of awareness and respect for human rights
• Cooperate with national bodies, regional and international organisations, and relevant institutions in other countries concerned with the promotion and protection of human rights
• Host human rights conferences, conduct research and organise training and educational events
• Participate in national and international human rights forums and meetings of regional and international bodies
• Disseminate newsletters, publications, data and special reports

APF membership

The National Institution for Human Rights became a member of the APF in 2016 (21st Annual Meeting).

• Article
• Bahrain
• Advice

FEATURE ARTICLE

Strengthening human rights in Bahrain

The APF has been supporting Bahrain’s National Institution for Human Rights (NIHR) to strengthen its efforts in protecting and promoting human rights throughout the country.

Read more Read more about Strengthening human rights in Bahrain

All news