
Bahrain

Country Overview
Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.
Targeted Groups | Perpetrators | Alert Status | Genocide Stage(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
| Watch | Stage 3: Discrimination, Stage 8: Persecution |
Details
After the proclamation of its independance in 1971, Bahrain has continually been the subject of international condemnation for multiple and continual human rights violations. Requests for reform have focused on Bahrain's treatment of migrant workers under the kafala system, which leaves workers vulnerable to abuse and exploitation. Moreover, Bahrain has been accused of using systematic torture and repression against dissidents and protestors, and of repressing free speech and media plurality, especially after the start of popular peaceful movements for reform in 2011. Religious and ethnic minorities in Bahrain like Shiites are also facing discrimination, citizenship revocations and statelessness.

Page last updated:
10/14/2026
Resources
Bahrain: Breaking the Silence - BBC News
For A Better Life, Migrant Worker Abuse in Bahrain and the Government Reform Agenda- Human Rights Watch
Bahrain: Torture is the Policy and Impunity is the Norm- Bahrain Center for Human Rights


