Award of GCVO invites many critics because of poor human rights in Bahrain

November 2024

The award of the Grand Cross of the Victorian Order to King Hamad bin Isa al Khalifa of Bahrain by King Charles has brought criticism and controversy. The list of human rights failures in Bahrain is a long one. It includes the lack of a free press, no genuine political opposition, the use of torture, critics who are harassed and arrested and there are problems with an independent judiciary. Individuals are executed after confessions secured following the use of torture. There is little religious freedom. Freedom House has described the kingdom as one of the more repressive regimes in the region. Since violently crushing a popular prodemocracy protest movement in 2011, the Sunni-led monarchy has systematically eliminated a broad range of political rights and civil liberties, dismantled the political opposition, and cracked down harshly on persistent dissent concentrated among the Shiite population.

Of course it is unlikely that King Charles was directly responsible for this award and may even felt uncomfortable with it. It is almost certainly a political decision because Bahrain is a key defence ally. CAAT has described the range of contacts between the two kingdoms and the importance of Bahrain as a purchaser of arms.

This has become a feature of British foreign policy and ideas of an ‘ethical foreign policy’ seem a long time ago. The Royal family are frequently used to promote ties and friendly relations with the various monarchs who still rule most of the Gulf states. Arms sales and the supply of oil are crucial elements of the British economy and effectively means ethical and human rights issues have to take a back seat. The Secretary of State said in parliament on 21 October 2021 that ‘[t]he Government are clear that more trade will not come at the expense of human rights’. However, as CAAT notes, arms sales to Bahrain continue apace.

Human rights violations and violence continue in the Kingdom and arms sales continue seemingly unhindered. Awarding the King an award is just icing on the cake. The problem is that it represents a kind of seal of approval. Is the Kingdom ever going to improve if it feels that Britain will continue to supply arms, use the Royal family in this way and make these awards? Or will it feel it can carry on persecuting its people and continue to deny basic rights with impunity? After all, the Bahrain’s own web site proudly proclaims ‘Bahrain is committed to safeguarding human rights, actively engaging in impactful initiatives that underscore its dedication to ensuring the well-being and freedom of its citizens and residents.’

Charles was told in a letter by the exiles: “It is personally difficult for us to view this honour as anything other than a betrayal of victims who have suffered at the hands of King Hamad and his brutal regime.”

Sources: Amnesty International; Human Rights Watch; Hansard; the US State Department; the Guardian; CAAT; Freedom House; Government of Bahrain; Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy.