The dispute with Qatar concerns politics and security and has nothing to do with human rights, said Bahrain’s national watchdog.

It defended the steps which were taken by the Kingdom of Bahrain to protect its national security and stability.
“Bahrain has exercised its sovereign right, which is guaranteed by the international charters, covenants and relevant UN resolutions”, said the National Institution of Human Rights (NIHR).

NIHR Board of Commissioners issued the statement following its second regular meeting, which was held at its held at its headquarters in the Seef district.

NIHR President Said bin Mohammed Al-Fihani chaired the session which stressed deep-rooted historic relations binding the Arabian Gulf countries.

The watchdog stressed the need to avoid exploiting the severance of diplomatic relations between the Arab quartet –Bahrain, Saudi, the UAE and Egypt – and Qatar to fuel strife.

It pointed out that the Qatari official institutions and media outlets which claim that the quartets’ sovereign decisions amount to so-called “blockade that violated human rights” - pay no heed to the rights and liberties of citizens and residents living in the four countries.

The panel paid tribute to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa, hailing the royal directives to heed the humanitarian cases of mixed Bahraini-Qatari families.

The royal stance reflects Bahrain’s stance which values kinship relations between Gulf nationals and heeds the brotherly Qatari brethren – the natural extension of the people of Bahrain.

The NIHR Board of Commissioners highlighted the allocation of a an Interior Ministry-operated hotline to follow-up humanitarian cases and undertake the adequate measures to address them.

The panel endorsed NIHR budget for the 2017-2018 fiscal years and discussed a proposal submitted by board member Dr. Aisha Mubarak, who suggested the issuance of a human rights certificate of excellence.

Source : BNA