Front Line is deeply concerned at the decision of the Labour and Social Affairs Minister Majid al-Alawi to dissolve the Bahrain Centre for Human Rights (BCHR). The BCHR was reportedly closed for “activities contravening the Associations Law of 1989”. This decision took effect as of 29 September 2004. A governmental order was delivered to the BCHR, which also named an official to audit its accounts and activities. The order prohibits the BCHR human rights defenders in resuming all activities and freezes all funds.

The BCHR is a leading human rights organisation in Bahrain and the Gulf region. It is one of the two human rights NGOs to have been authorised in Bahrain when King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa gradually introduced political reforms after becoming ruler in 1999. One of BCHR’s major projects is “The Migrant Workers Group” which protects the rights and interests of its migrant workers, and was due to open a shelter for migrants who were victims of abuse, especially house maids.

Front Line believes that this recent action by the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs to dissolve the Bahrain Centre for Human Rights has been carried out due to the fact that BCHRs has been defending and promoting human rights in the Kingdom of Bahrain and in the Gulf region for six years.

Front Line is equally concerned following reports of the arrest and detention of the Executive Director for the Bahrain Centre for Human Rights (BCHR), Mr Abdul Hadi Al-Khawaja, on 26th September 2004 at 10.30pm. Front Line believes that the arrest of Mr. Abdul Hadi Al-Khawaja was due to his work as a prominent human rights defender, and in particular for his participation in a symposium called “The National Campaign to Promote Economic Rights in Bahrain” which took place in Bahrain, 24 September 2004. Front Line is concerned that Mr. Abdul Hadi Al-Khawaja has been arbitrarily detained and charged as a way of sanctioning him for his human rights activities, including his speech at the recent symposium. He has been charged namely with Article 165 and 168 of the Bahrain Penal Code,which potentially result in 5 years of imprisonment.

Front Line is deeply concerned that the Ministry of Labour & Social Affairs has targeted the BCHR for its work,Front Line believes that the move to close the BCHR,the arbitrary detention of Mr Abdul Hadi Al-Khawaja, is in contravention to Bahrain’s international obligations to respect the integrity of human rights defenders and their freedom of association.

Front Line calls on the authorities of Bahrain to:

· Open the office of the BCHR and allow its members to carry out their activities promoting and protecting freedom of association and expression in accordance with articles 19 and 20 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights · Ensure the physical and psychological integrity of Mr. Abdul Hadi Al-Khawaja while he is in custody and access to lawyers, and to release Mr. Abdul Hadi Al-Khawaja immediately and unconditionally and to drop all the charges against him.