Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) applauds members of Congress whowrote to the King of Bahrain, His Majesty Shaikh Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa, torequest open access for non-governmental organizations (NGOs). PHR was recentlydenied entry to Bahrain to continue its human rights investigation despiteprevious assurances from the Government of Bahrain.
Given the ongoing unrest in the country, the Government of Bahrainshould embrace openness and transparency in its dealings with the internationalcommunity. NGOs can provide international independent monitoring of thesituation in Bahrain and can further human rights protections.
PHR thanks Representative Jim McDermott (D-WA) for taking the lead onthis bicameral letter, and Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) for co-signing. Othersupporters of the letter include Keith Ellison (D-MN), Donald Payne (D-NJ),Lynn Woolsey (D-CA), Jim McGovern (D-MA), Mike Honda (D-CA), John Conyers(D-MI), Trent Franks (R-AZ), John Carter (R-TX), and Jim Moran (D-VA).
PHR looks forward to greater openness on the part of the Bahrainigovernment and will continue to advocate for an end to attacks on civilians.