Speech by King Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifi on Reform, 1 June 2011

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Country/entity: Bahrain
Region: Middle East and North Africa
Agreement name: Speech by King Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifi on Reform, 1 June 2011
Date: 1 Jun 2011
Agreement status: Unilateral document
Interim arrangement: Yes
Agreement/conflict level: Intrastate/intrastate conflict
Bahraini Uprising (2011 - )
Following uprisings across the MENA region in early 2011, protests ensued on February 14, 2011, aimed at generating social reforms and greater social equality for Bahrain's Shi'a majority. Following the deaths of two protesters in the first two days, a sit-in was held at the Pearl Roundabout in Manama on February. The next morning, security forces stormed the camp, killing 4 protesters, marking a turning point in the conflict. Protests picked up momentum and by April 2012, over 80 protesters and security forces had been killed in violence from both sides. In December 2013, there were impromptu 183 protests alone. Sectarian tensions are further heightened by the recruitment of Sunni Muslims into the National Army from abroad, and the deployment of soldiers from the predominantly Sunni GCC Joint Shield Force. There is also an indication of state-sponsored systematic destruction of Shi'a mosques across Bahrain following the protests.

On July 2, 2011, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa instigated the Bahrain National Dialogue as a means to promote reconciliation between the government and Bahrainis. 300 participants were involved with 37% representation dedicated for political organisations, 36% for CSOs, 21% for opinion leaders and 6% for media representation. Opposition parties were only granted 5 seats, and there was much criticism of the un-balanced nature of the National Dialogue. The National Dialogues were suspended by January 2014. Parliamentary Elections later that year boycotted and dismissed by the Shia opposition as a farce, followed by the arrest of the opposition(Al-Wefaq) leader Sheikh Ali Salman, ensuing into protests and clashes between his supporters and security forces. Systemic harassment and prosecution of Shias continue.
Stage: Framework/substantive - partial
Conflict nature: Government
Peace process: Bahrain: Reform-based peace process
Parties: King Hamad bin Khalifa
Third parties: -
Description: A short statement by King Hamad bin Khalifa on reform in Bahrain, in an attempt to accommodate conflicted groups, emphasizing the role of the media and the issuing of the largest yearly budget in Bahraini history.

Agreement document: BH_110601_Speech by King Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifi on Reform.pdf (opens in new tab) | Download PDF

Groups

Children/youth: No specific mention.
Disabled persons: No specific mention.
Elderly/age: No specific mention.
Migrant workers: No specific mention.
Racial/ethnic/national group: No specific mention.
Religious groups: No specific mention.
Indigenous people: No specific mention.
Other groups: No specific mention.
Refugees/displaced persons: No specific mention.
Social class: No specific mention.

Gender

Women, girls and gender: No specific mention.
Men and boys: No specific mention.
LGBTI: No specific mention.
Family: No specific mention.

State definition

Nature of state (general): Page 1, Who doesn't want more efficient and effective governmental performance? Or more efficient legislative representation? Or political and civic societies that operate within the framework of national unity and the rule of law?
State configuration: No specific mention.
Self determination: No specific mention.
Referendum: No specific mention.
State symbols: No specific mention.
Independence/secession: No specific mention.
Accession/unification: No specific mention.
Border delimitation: No specific mention.
Cross-border provision: No specific mention.

Governance

Political institutions (new or reformed): No specific mention.
Elections: Page 1, Based on the aforementioned, the byelection will come as an essential part of the national dialogue to complete the House of Representatives' membership to enhance the participation of all citizens in the development process, preservation of the national achievements, and sustainability of development and growth. We hope and truly wish the participation of citizens of our beloved homeland in these elections in all vacant constituencies, in order to realise the popular hopes of the 2010 elections.
Electoral commission: No specific mention.
Political parties reform: No specific mention.
Civil society: Page 1, Who doesn't want more efficient and effective governmental performance? Or more efficient legislative representation? Or political and civic societies that operate within the framework of national unity and the rule of law? Those who resist such aspirations act against the process of evolution, and ultimately, they cannot stop natural progress of people's lives.
Traditional/religious leaders: No specific mention.
Public administration: No specific mention.
Constitution: No specific mention.

Power sharing

Political power sharing: No specific mention.
Territorial power sharing: No specific mention.
Economic power sharing: No specific mention.
Military power sharing: No specific mention.

Human rights and equality

Human rights/RoL general: Page 1, Who doesn't want more efficient and effective governmental performance? Or more efficient legislative representation? Or political and civic societies that operate within the framework of national unity and the rule of law? Those who resist such aspirations act against the process of evolution, and ultimately, they cannot stop natural progress of people's lives.
Bill of rights/similar: No specific mention.
Treaty incorporation: No specific mention.
Civil and political rights: No specific mention.
Socio-economic rights: No specific mention.

Rights related issues

Citizenship: Rights related issues→Citizenship→Citizen, general
Page 1, Based on the aforementioned, the byelection will come as an essential part of the national dialogue to complete the House of Representatives' membership to enhance the participation of all citizens in the development process, preservation of the national achievements, and sustainability of development and growth. We hope and truly wish the participation of citizens of our beloved homeland in these elections in all vacant constituencies, in order to realise the popular hopes of the 2010 elections.

Page 1, Citizenship's connotation of loyalty, patriotism, pride in its identity and allegiance have all placed a great responsibility on journalists and the media in this crucial phase, which needs to heal the social rift, and work on the rationalisation of public opinion, maintenance of national unity, restoration confidence among all, wisdom and balance to generate positive communication on all levels. The press and the media are the identity of the reform project. We will continue our support to you so that you will be able to play your national role.
Democracy: Page 1, We have worked throughout our reign to create a democratic life in which everyone could raise their demands freely through institutions furnished by this democracy. In adherence to these measures, and in support of the initiative of the crown prince, backed by the government and the legislative branch, and affirming what came in the National Unity Gathering's last statement that dialogue is a national strategic choice to reach the required and agreed upon solutions, we instruct both the executive and legislative branches to call for a national dialogue for an optimal outcome for the kingdom of Bahrain, and to take all necessary measures to prepare for this comprehensive, serious dialogue – without preconditions to begin early July of this year, in which all people could participate with their vision of the future.
Detention procedures: No specific mention.
Media and communication: Rights related issues→Media and communication→Media roles
Page 1, It is our pleasure to meet with journalists and media personnel in our beloved kingdom. You are the leaders of public opinion, the enlightened power, the mediators and connectors between society's official and civic bodies. You are essential partners in the process of this country's development.

We would like to take this opportunity to underline our great appreciation for your noble work, as well as our everlasting commitment to upholding freedom of expression within the framework of political, cultural and intellectual pluralism. A free, impartial, and independent press is the backbone of democratic progress, and it plays a positive role in strengthening social cohesion, and in disseminating the spirit of affinity and love.

Page 1, Citizenship's connotation of loyalty, patriotism, pride in its identity and allegiance have all placed a great responsibility on journalists and the media in this crucial phase, which needs to heal the social rift, and work on the rationalisation of public opinion, maintenance of national unity, restoration confidence among all, wisdom and balance to generate positive communication on all levels. The press and the media are the identity of the reform project. We will continue our support to you so that you will be able to play your national role.

Page 1-2, We meet today in a time in which the kingdom is proud of the political, defence, and financial support from our brothers in the GCC states, which reflect mutual respect between the GCC countries, and has also led, praise be to Allah, to the announcement of the largest budget in the history of the kingdom, after being approved by the government and legislature. This will strengthen the national economic process, affirming the importance of your media role, enriched by your analytical criticism and constructive opinions. The goal is to stimulate productivity, boost competitiveness, encourage and attract investments, and enhance human resource efficiency to enable everyone to play their role in the process of construction, development, and to create means to a decent life.

Page 2, In conclusion, despite the fact that what has occurred recently in Bahrain has hurt us deeply, we remain determined to honour our commitments before Allah and our people. Our confidence in journalists and in the media is high, and our hopes in you are higher. The Bahraini people are eager to obtain facts to enable them to shape a comprehensive national opinion without division among its people. We confirm to all journalists and media personnel in the kingdom of Bahrain that their freedom is preserved and their rights are safeguarded. Further, no one shall be harmed due to his peaceful, civilised expression of opinion in this state of law and intuitions.
May Allah guide us to the good of the kingdom of Bahrain and its loyal people. Peace, God's mercy, and blessings be upon you.
Mobility/access: No specific mention.
Protection measures: No specific mention.
Other: No specific mention.

Rights institutions

NHRI: No specific mention.
Regional or international human rights institutions: No specific mention.

Justice sector reform

Criminal justice and emergency law: No specific mention.
State of emergency provisions: No specific mention.
Judiciary and courts: No specific mention.
Prisons and detention: No specific mention.
Traditional Laws: No specific mention.

Socio-economic reconstruction

Development or socio-economic reconstruction: No specific mention.
National economic plan: Page 1-2, We meet today in a time in which the kingdom is proud of the political, defence, and financial support from our brothers in the GCC states, which reflect mutual respect between the GCC countries, and has also led, praise be to Allah, to the announcement of the largest budget in the history of the kingdom, after being approved by the government and legislature. This will strengthen the national economic process, affirming the importance of your media role, enriched by your analytical criticism and constructive opinions. The goal is to stimulate productivity, boost competitiveness, encourage and attract investments, and enhance human resource efficiency to enable everyone to play their role in the process of construction, development, and to create means to a decent life.
Natural resources: No specific mention.
International funds: No specific mention.
Business: No specific mention.
Taxation: No specific mention.
Banks: No specific mention.

Land, property and environment

Land reform/rights: No specific mention.
Pastoralist/nomadism rights: No specific mention.
Cultural heritage: No specific mention.
Environment: No specific mention.
Water or riparian rights or access: No specific mention.

Security sector

Security Guarantees: No specific mention.
Ceasefire: No specific mention.
Police: No specific mention.
Armed forces: No specific mention.
DDR: No specific mention.
Intelligence services: No specific mention.
Parastatal/rebel and opposition group forces: No specific mention.
Withdrawal of foreign forces: No specific mention.
Corruption: No specific mention.
Crime/organised crime: No specific mention.
Drugs: No specific mention.
Terrorism: No specific mention.

Transitional justice

Transitional justice general: No specific mention.
Amnesty/pardon: No specific mention.
Courts: No specific mention.
Mechanism: No specific mention.
Prisoner release: No specific mention.
Vetting: No specific mention.
Victims: No specific mention.
Missing persons: No specific mention.
Reparations: No specific mention.
Reconciliation: No specific mention.

Implementation

UN signatory: No specific mention.
Other international signatory: No specific mention.
Referendum for agreement: No specific mention.
International mission/force/similar: No specific mention.
Enforcement mechanism: No specific mention.
Related cases: No specific mention.
Source: Lauterpacht Centre for International Law, Arab Spring Project
http://www.lcil.cam.ac.uk/sites/default/files/LCIL/documents/arabspring/Bahrain_5_Speech_King_Hamad_Bin_Isa_Al.pdf

Speech by King Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifi on Reform, 1 June 2011.

Brothers and sisters,

It is our pleasure to meet with journalists and media personnel in our beloved kingdom.

You are the leaders of public opinion, the enlightened power, the mediators and connectors between society's official and civic bodies.

You are essential partners in the process of this country's development.

We would like to take this opportunity to underline our great appreciation for your noble work, as well as our everlasting commitment to upholding freedom of expression within the framework of political, cultural and intellectual pluralism.

A free, impartial, and independent press is the backbone of democratic progress, and it plays a positive role in strengthening social cohesion, and in disseminating the spirit of affinity and love.

We should only look back over the events of the past few months in order to draw useful lessons and morals.

The reform process began with the historic consensus on the Charter of National Action, in which the Bahraini people decided on a new chapter of their history, calling for comprehensive modernisation, a better life, the promotion of the popular representation in the process of decision making, and paving the path for Bahrainis' present as well as charting the future for generations to come.

Reform is the mission from which we shall not digress;

it is an expression of belief and determination between us and our people.

With the help of Allah, we will proceed forward in this promising national process within the natural progress of the life cycle and the development of people and nation.

Who doesn't want more efficient and effective governmental performance?

Or more efficient legislative representation?

Or political and civic societies that operate within the framework of national unity and the rule of law?

Those who resist such aspirations act against the process of evolution, and ultimately, they cannot stop natural progress of people's lives.

We have worked throughout our reign to create a democratic life in which everyone could raise their demands freely through institutions furnished by this democracy.

In adherence to these measures, and in support of the initiative of the crown prince, backed by the government and the legislative branch, and affirming what came in the National Unity Gathering's last statement that dialogue is a national strategic choice to reach the required and agreed upon solutions, we instruct both the executive and legislative branches to call for a national dialogue for an optimal outcome for the kingdom of Bahrain, and to take all necessary measures to prepare for this comprehensive, serious dialogue – without preconditions to begin early July of this year, in which all people could participate with their vision of the future.

Their recommendations – upon which we hope you will agree – will drive the pace of reforms towards further growth on all levels, consolidate the pillars of the reform project, and achieve the aspirations of the kind people of Bahrain for peace, justice, and the continuation of the process of development and growth.

The recommendations of the dialogue are to be submitted to us and be presented to the constitutional institutions, each in its area of authority.

Based on the aforementioned, the byelection will come as an essential part of the national dialogue to complete the House of Representatives' membership to enhance the participation of all citizens in the development process, preservation of the national achievements, and sustainability of development and growth.

We hope and truly wish the participation of citizens of our beloved homeland in these elections in all vacant constituencies, in order to realise the popular hopes of the 2010 elections.

Citizenship's connotation of loyalty, patriotism, pride in its identity and allegiance have all placed a great responsibility on journalists and the media in this crucial phase, which needs to heal the social rift, and work on the rationalisation of public opinion, maintenance of national unity, restoration confidence among all, wisdom and balance to generate positive communication on all levels.

The press and the media are the identity of the reform project.

We will continue our support to you so that you will be able to play your national role.

We meet today in a time in which the kingdom is proud of the political, defence, and financial support from our brothers in the GCC states, which reflect mutual respect between the GCC countries, and has also led, praise be to Allah, to the announcement of the largest budget in the history of the kingdom, after being approved by the government and legislature.

This will strengthen the national economic process, affirming the importance of your media role, enriched by your analytical criticism and constructive opinions.

The goal is to stimulate productivity, boost competitiveness, encourage and attract investments, and enhance human resource efficiency to enable everyone to play their role in the process of construction, development, and to create means to a decent life.

In conclusion, despite the fact that what has occurred recently in Bahrain has hurt us deeply, we remain determined to honour our commitments before Allah and our people.

Our confidence in journalists and in the media is high, and our hopes in you are higher.

The Bahraini people are eager to obtain facts to enable them to shape a comprehensive national opinion without division among its people.

We confirm to all journalists and media personnel in the kingdom of Bahrain that their freedom is preserved and their rights are safeguarded.

Further, no one shall be harmed due to his peaceful, civilised expression of opinion in this state of law and intuitions.

May Allah guide us to the good of the kingdom of Bahrain and its loyal people.

Peace, God's mercy, and blessings be upon you.