Secretary / Special Rapporteur on violence against women
Higher Commissionaire of Human Rights
Geneva, Switzerland
25 June 2007
Kindest regards from Bahrain,
We would like to thank you for your efforts to protect women against rights violation. You are the international authority specialized in protecting women against targeting and violence.
Dear Rapporteur,
Bahrain has signed the Fighting Violence against Women Agreement on June 18, 2002, and has subjected to implementation on July 19, 2002. This agreement obliges Bahrain to protect women against violence practiced by either the society or local authorities. The agreement works on finding national legislations to protect women rights in different fields.
Dear Rapporteur,
Bahrain is still practicing violence against women through Family Courts, which are known for their corrupt and systematic suppression against women, who call for their slightest rights to live with dignity.
Dear Rapporteur,
We address this letter to you with the purpose to provide one example of these corrupt practices and violence against women in Bahrain. Souad Fatehallah, 32, is a Bahraini citizen and one of the victims of the corrupt Family Court. She cannot regain her right to hold her children in her custody or even win her legal rights guaranteed by international charts and conventions.
Dear Rapporteur,
Bahrain Youth Society for Human Rights (BYSHR),and Women’s Petition Committee call upon you to question the Bahraini government about its commitment to Violence against Women Agreement, reforming Family Court, and legislating laws to protect women against community and governmental violence.
Sincerely,
Ghada Jamsheer
Women’s Petition Committee
00973-39680807