The Bahrain Center for Human Rights (BCHR) is a nonprofit, nongovernmental organization, registered with the Bahraini Ministry of Labor and Social Services since July 2002. Despite an order by the authorities in November 2004 to close it, the BCHR is still functioning after gaining a wide internal an external support for its struggle to promote human rights in Bahrain.

Vision:

A prosperous democratic country free of discrimination and other violations of human rights.

Mission Statement:

To encourage and support individuals and groups to be proactive in the protection of their own and others' rights; and to struggle to promote democracy and human rights in accordance with international norms.

Objectives:

• Promoting freedoms and basic rights (Civil, Political and Economic)
• Combating racial discrimination
• Dissemination of human rights culture
• Contributing in providing support and protection for victims and the vulnerable

Structure and funding:

The 26-founding members includes prominent doctors, lawyers, journalists, and NGO leaders, men and women. Membership in the general assembly is open for volunteers who serve more than six months at one of the Center’s committees. BCHR’s general assembly elects its board of directors for a two-year term. So far, BCHR’s activities are funded from membership fees and small amount donations from individuals.

The current president is Nabeel Rajab. To read more about the BCHR's current Board of Directors click here.

Activities:

Although a young organization, BCHR has carried out many projects, including advocacy, training, workshops, seminars, media campaigns and reporting to UN mechanisms and international NGOs. BCHR has also participated in many regional an international conferences and workshops.

For more questions, please see our Frequently Asked Questions page or contact us.