National Institution of Human Rights urges protection of Bahraini fishermen

Manama, Dec.13, (BNA): The National Institution of Human Rights (NIHR) voiced its deep concerns over the plight of Bahraini fishermen who are targeted by Qatari coastguards inside the Kingdom’s territorial waters. In a statement today, it said that it had followed up with deep concerns the arbitrary acts perpetrated by the Qatari patrols, which caused physical, moral and material harm to Bahraini fishermen and incurred massive losses, which resulted from cutting off their livelihood and the only source of income to support their families. “These acts violate all human norms, neighborhood and fraternity among the people of the same Arabia Gulf”, it said, deploring Qatar’s flouting human values enshrined in international covenants, the principle of good neighborliness, as well as human rights and fundamental liberties. These include particularly the right to life, the right to personal security, the right to work and freedom of movement within the territorial borders of the Kingdom of Bahrain, which are guaranteed by international human rights instruments. The NIHR statement stressed the importance of respecting human rights, based on the principles stipulated in the international human rights instruments and charters. It pointed out the Qatari arbitrary acts represent a blatant violation of human rights and endangers the lives of innocent people. Urging competent authorities in Bahrain to take necessary measures to protect Bahraini fishermen and seafarers who and provide them a provide a safe environment to exercise their right to work and fish in the territorial waters of the Kingdom of Bahrain.