The European Union and the Kingdom of Bahrain held their 8^th Human Rights Dialogue in Manama on 8 December 2024, in a constructive and friendly atmosphere.

The two sides exchanged information on the latest developments in the EU and in Bahrain, and reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining an open dialogue to address challenges, and exchange best practices on human rights issues on the basis of mutual respect.

The dialogue covered a broad range of topics, such as freedom of expression and association, rule of law, the right to a fair trial, including certain individual cases, the death penalty, women’s rights, freedom of religion or belief and combatting trafficking in persons, while highlighting the importance of continued cooperation of the EU and Bahrain in multilateral fora.

The EU commended in particular Bahrain for the progress achieved in advancing women's rights and youth empowerment, and recognised its significant efforts undertaken to promote social and economic rights, freedom of religion or belief and peaceful coexistence.

In addition, the EU welcomed the pardons of more than 2,500 prisoners in Bahrain in 2024. It encouraged Bahrain to further align its policies with international human rights law, particularly in the areas of the rule of law and civil and political rights with particular focus on freedom of expression, assembly and association. The EU also called on Bahrain to ratify the remaining core international human rights instruments.

The EU and Bahrain agreed to intensify their cooperation - among others - on promoting freedom of religion or belief and furthering women’s rights.

The next Human Rights Dialogue will be held in Brussels in 2025.