Bahrain Model UN PDF

Country Profile  Country Profile - Research, Task IA Directives: Research, Writing, Leadership Please answer the following questions in the space below. The following items are sorted by physical geography, politics and government, culture, economy, inte...

Country Profile  Country Profile - Research, Task IA Directives: Research, Writing, Leadership Please answer the following questions in the space below. The following items are sorted by physical geography, politics and government, culture, economy, international relations, military, health and education, environment, and issues. Please go into as much depth and detail as possible when researching and answering these questions. The more work and familiarity you make with your group with these topics, the stronger your understanding of your eventual solution to your country’s problems will be. https://www.state.gov/reports/2023-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/bahrain/#:~:text=Significa nt%20human%20rights%20issues%20included,unlawful%20interference%20with%20privacy%3B%20se rious https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bahrain#Government_and_politics https://2009-2017.state.gov/outofdate/bgn/bahrain/26416.htm#:~:text=Ethnic%20groups%3A%20Bahrain i%2063%25%2C,%2C%20English%2C%20Farsi%2C%20Urdu. https://www.bahrain.bh/wps/portal/en/BNP/HomeNationalPortal/ContentDetailsPage/!ut/p/z0/lY_BTgIxE EB_ZTzsuYWVBY8iiasJsnow2AuZbssyUqZLtzXy91bjgagXb_Mmk5c3Qom1UIxv1GEkz-gyv6hqM7q byHp2I2WzuBzLx-erp2q-HMnlbSnuhTo_qB-ahaxW9Ww6ns7LVVN-Guj1eFTXQrWeo32PYq2531guJG qfIsSdhT1xZ_yhkBp3AYkJnO1ocF8dQyGDzaM1EH1PbWaDEYGyLvjeBtTkKJ5-xvyu_WfMATltsY0p 5A0gG2DMgA6CHXwKrf0jjdikIYZTzju3gd_C93Oi3ys9cd3FB-ZFFpg!/ Physical Geography: The West Asian island nation of Bahrain is formally known as the Kingdom of Bahrain. Located on the Persian Gulf, the small archipelago is composed of 33 man made islands and 50 natural islands, with Bahrain Island constituting the majority of the country's landmass. What is your country’s official name? The official name of our country is the Kingdom of Bahrain. What region of the world is your country located in? Bahrain is located in West Asia on the south-western coast of the Persian Gulf. How big is your country? (square miles) Bahrain is 760 square kilometers or 290 square miles. Who are your country’s neighbors? The neighboring countries of Bahrain are Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar and Iran. What are the major natural resources of the country? The natural resources of Bahrain are Oil, Natural Gas and Fishing.  What is the climate of your country? The climate of Bahrain is warm and arid. What are the physical features of your country? Around most of Bahrain is a relatively shallow inlet of the Persian Gulf known as the Gulf of Bahrain. The seabed is rocky and, mainly off the northern part of the island, covered by extensive coral reefs. Most of the island is a low-lying and barren desert. Politics and Government: What type of government does your country have? The government of Bahrain is a Monarchy. The ability to select their government or political system was denied to the people. The lower chamber of parliament, the Council of Representatives, was to be composed of 40 elected members, according to the constitution. The heads of the two houses of parliament and the Constitutional Court were consulted before the monarch was allowed to dissolve the Council of Representatives under the terms of the constitution. The Council of Representatives could not be dissolved by the king more than once in a term for the same grounds. The king was able to make, approve, and enact legislation in addition to changing the constitution. Who are your country’s allies? Enemies? Saudi Arabia, the UAE and the USA. What is your country’s capital? The capital of Bahrain is Manama Who is your country's leader(s)? Shaikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of Bahrain What are current key political issues going on (if any)? The only GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) nation where the majority of the population is Shi’a is Bahrain. Since a largely Shia-led opposition revolted against the Sunni-minority-led government of Bahrain's Al Khalifa ruling family in 2011, Bahrain's politics have been unstable. The level of disturbance has been very low since 2014. What structure of government does your country have? Constitutional hereditary monarchy. What are the major political parties (if any)? While some political groups already in existence created political platforms, conducted internal elections, and organized political events, the government forbade the formation of new political parties. There were bans in place on the two most well-known opposition political societies, Wa'ad and al-Wifaq. The pre existent ones are under the terms of political societies. Culture: What is your country’s population? ○ The population of Bahrain in 2024 is estimated at 1,607,049 people. What is your country’s official language(s)? The official language of Bahrain is Arabic. What other languages are spoken? Persian and English are also widely spoken within the country’s peoples along with other languages like Farsi, Urdu and Hindu. What are some of the major cities? Manama Jidhafs A'ali Al Hidd Salman City Al Qalah Sanabis Jurdab What are some common religions and traditions in your country? ○ Religions: Islam (split into two parts; Sunni and Shi’a), Christianity, and some are Hindu. ○ The difference os Sunni and Shi’a: following Muhammad's passing in 632, some Muslims thought Abu Bakr should succeed him as the caliph of the Islamic society as a whole while others thought Ali ibn Abi Talib should get the title of caliph. ○ Traditions: The Prophet Muhammad's birthday, Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, and, more recently, the country's Shiites' commemoration of Ashura. Large family feasts are frequently held on Muslim festivals. Bahrain is a Muslim nation with numerous regulations in place to protect the Islamic tenets. What is the predominant religion? ○ Bahrain has a number of predominant religions. They include, Christianity, Judaism, and Baha'is. What are some important cultural traditions/holidays? ○ The Prophet Muhammad's birthday, Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, and, more recently, the country's Shiites' commemoration of Ashura. What are the main ethnic groups? ○ The main ethnic groups of Bahrain are Bahrani(63%), Asians(19%), Arab(10%), Iranian(8%). Economy: How would you describe the quality of life in your country? Bahrain is modern, very safe, tolerant and cosmopolitan, with a developed consumer society, access to media and entertainment, and with a cost of living that is reasonable for many things but moderately high for imported goods. What are some of your country’s natural resources? The natural resources of Bahrain are Oil, Natural Gas and Fishing. What is your country’s currency? The currency in Bahrain is Bahraini Dinar. What are your country’s major imports and exports? Iron ore ($1.61B), aluminum oxide ($1.15B), cars ($752M), gold ($421M), and gas turbines ($356M) are Bahrain's main imports, with the majority coming from China ($2.33B), United Arab Emirates ($1.8B), Brazil ($1.43B), Australia ($1.25B), and India ($1.02B). Bahrain's principal export destinations are Saudi Arabia ($3.03B), United Arab Emirates, Emirates ($2.07B), United States ($1.83B), Japan ($1.07B), and India ($928M). Iron Ore ($2.16B), Aluminum Wire ($729M), Raw Aluminum ($4.75B), and Refined Petroleum ($4.3B). What are your country’s biggest trading partners? United Arab Emirates ($1.8B), Brazil ($1.43B), Australia ($1.25B), and India ($1.02B). What country or bloc does it receive foreign aid from, and who does it give foreign aid to? Bahrain receives foreign aid from the USA, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Bahrain gives foreign aid to countries that include the United States and Saudi Arabia. What is the unemployment rate? ○ The percentage of the labor force that is jobless yet looking for work is referred to as unemployment. Bahrain's 2022 unemployment rate was 1.34%, down 0.21% from 2021. Bahrain's unemployment rate decreased by 0.24% from 2020 to 1.55% in 2021. What are major industries? ○ Petrochemicals and Plastics. ○ Engineering and Aluminium. ○ Furniture and wood. ○ Food and pharmacology. ○ Wearing apparel and Textile. What is the total GDP?  ○ As of 2022, Bahrain's GDP (gross domestic product) is $44,390,820,479 (USD). In 2022, Bahrain's real GDP (constant, adjusted for inflation) was $33,535,234,421. Real GDP was $34,250,930,437 in 2021; this is a change of 1,664,889,185 US dollars from the GDP Growth Rate of 4.86% in 2022. International Relations: Who are the allies and enemies? ○ Allies-Bahrain and the United States have been allies since Bahrain's independence in 1971 and have maintained close relations with shared economic and geopolitical interests. Relations between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are close and friendly. Is the country a member of any major organizations such as the UN, NATO, etc? Bahrain is a member of the UN. What major international issues is the country involved in? US President Joe Biden expressed "the United States' appreciation for the longstanding strategic partnership with Bahrain, including its hosting of the US Navy Forces Central Command/5th Fleet" during his July meeting with King Hamad of Bahrain in Jeddah. Through the Gulf Strategy Fund (GSF), the United Kingdom government provided funding for reform and capacity-building initiatives run by Bahrain and including flagrant abuses of human rights. The Special Investigations Unit, Bahrain's Ministry of Interior, and other security agencies linked to the mistreatment of at least eight prisoners who are presently on execution row have all received backing from the GSF. The European Union's Joint Communication on a Partnership with the Gulf did not draw attention to Bahrain's deplorable human rights record and did not attempt to establish a connection between improvements in bilateral relations and particular human rights. On January 24, Serbia sent a political dissident from Bahrain to his home country, defying a European Court of Human Rights ruling that explicitly barred his extradition until further details were obtained. The 48-year-old dissident Ahmed Jaffer Muhammad had already suffered from torture and other cruel punishment at the hands of Bahraini officials. After Bahrain requested that Interpol, the international police organization, issue a Red Notice notice, Serbia started the removal process. What is the country's stance on key global issues like climate change, human rights, etc.? The Kingdom of Bahrain addresses the risks of climate change to achieve the goals of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change through national strategies that achieve sustainability and zero neutrality through a set of national initiatives and development strategies launched by the Government. With abusive restrictions on freedom of expression, Bahrain arbitrarily imprisons human rights defenders and those who took part in protests. Military: How many people serve in your country’s military/defense? The BDF(Bahrain Defense Force) numbers about 18,000 personnel and consists of the Royal Bahraini Air Force, Royal Bahraini Army, Royal Bahraini Navy and the Royal Guard. Apart from the BDF, the public security forces and the Coast Guard report to the Ministry of Interior. What is the composition of the military (land, sea, air forces, etc.)? The military of Bahrain is composed of the Royal Bahraini Air Force,Royal Bahraini Army, Royal Bahraini Navy and the Royal Guard. Apart from the BDF, the public security forces and the Coast Guard report to the Ministry of interior. Is your country currently involved in any conflicts? Bahrain is not involved in any current conflicts. Health and Education: What is the average life expectancy? As of 2021, the life expectancy of Bahrain is 76 to 78 years. Any major health issues? The four main NCDs(Noncommunicable diseases) – cancer, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases – cause 75% of deaths in Bahrain, and nearly one in five adults dies from NCDs before the age of 70. Any current or past pandemics/epidemics? The most recent pandemic in Bahrain was Covid-19. This pandemic first hit the country in the year of 2020. What is the structure of their education system? The Bahraini education system follows an education "ladder" of nine years (ages 6 to 15) for basic education, which comprises primary and intermediate stages. The primary stage includes Cycle 1 (Grades 1 to 3) and Cycle 2 (Grades 4 to 6), and the intermediate stage includes Cycle 3 (Grades 7 to 9). Education in Bahrain is compulsory. What is the enrollment rate in each branch of education (primary, secondary, tertiary, etc.)? The enrollment rate in each branch of education in Bahrain is 93.00% as of 2023. Environment: Are there any major environmental issues?  The most pressing environmental concerns include desertification resulting from the degradation of arable land, droughts, and dust storms; coastal degradation resulting from oil spills and lack of freshwater resources. What are your country's policies on environmental protection? The Kingdom of Bahrain places the protection of the environment and its resources and the preservation of biodiversity at the forefront of its development priorities, and the government of the Kingdom has strengthened its interest in protecting the environment and placed it within its program, which emphasizes achieving environmental sustainability, improving the efficiency of the use and rationalization of resource and energy consumption, developing environmental impact assessment mechanisms for economic projects, and encouraging the production, use and investment in renewable energy. Any current or past significant conservation efforts? The Climate Change and Sustainable Development Directorate is also the focal point to relevant international conventions, such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. In 2021, the Kingdom announced a long-term goal of reaching net-zero by 2060. Issues: Credible reports of: cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment by the government; arbitrary arrest or detention; significant issues with the judiciary's independence; political prisoners or detainees; arbitrary or unlawful interference with privacy; significant limitations on the freedom of expression and media freedom, including unjustified arrests or prosecutions of journalists; censorship; enforcement of or threat of enforcement of criminal libel laws to limit expression; significant restrictions on internet freedom; substantial interference with the freedom of peaceful assembly and freedom of association, including inappropriately restrictive laws on the establishment, funding, or operation of nongovernmental and civil society organizations; limitations on the freedom of movement and residence within a state; and the right to leave the nation; incapacity of the populace to peacefully overthrow their government through free and fair elections; severe and irrational limitations on political involvement; and severe government persecution of both domestic and foreign human rights organizations. Describe the top 5 issues your country endures - Closure of Political Space, Freedom of Assembly, and Freedom of Association- The government of Bahrain continued imposing restrictions on expression, assembly, and association. Elections are neither free nor fair, and opposition voices are systematically excluded and repressed.Many members of Bahrain’s political opposition, as well as activists, bloggers, and human rights defenders, continue to be imprisoned for their roles in the 2011 pro-democracy protests and for more recent political activism. They have faced brutal treatment, including torture and denial of medical care. Authorities failed to  hold officials accountable for torture and ill-treatment in detention. No independent media has operated in Bahrain since the Information Affairs Ministry suspended Al Wasat, the country’s only independent newspaper, in 2017. Foreign journalists rarely have access to Bahrain, and Human Rights Watch and other international rights groups are routinely denied access. - Death Penalty- Since 2017, Bahrain has executed six people. As of September 2023, 26 others remain on death row with their appeals exhausted. Bahraini courts have convicted and sentenced defendants to death following manifestly unfair trials, based solely or primarily on confessions allegedly coerced through torture and ill-treatment. Human Rights Watch and the Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy (BIRD) examined the cases of eight men facing the death penalty, based primarily on court records and other official documents. The defendants were convicted and sentenced following manifestly unfair trials based primarily, or in some instances solely, on coerced confessions. The trial and appeal courts in these cases dismissed credible allegations of torture during interrogation, relied on secretly sourced documents, and denied or failed to protect fundamental fair trial and due process rights, including the rights to counsel during interrogation and to cross-examine prosecution witnesses. Bahraini authorities also violated their obligations to investigate allegations of torture and abuse. - Freedom of Religion-The Bahraini government has discriminated against its Shia majority population for years, including by targeting Shia clerics and arresting and prosecuting human rights defenders from Shia backgrounds, including Abdulhadi al-Khawaja in 2011. UN experts have expressed concern that members of the Shia community are “clearly being targeted on the basis of their religion.” In June, Bahraini authorities imposed restrictions and set up checkpoints in and around Al-Diraz village where Imam Al-Sadeq Mosque—the main mosque for the Shia community in Bahrain—is located, blocking worshippers from attending Friday prayers there. The access restrictions followed the Bahraini authorities’ brief detention of a prominent Shia cleric, Sheikh Mohammad Sanqoor, who often gave sermons at Imam al-Sadeq Mosque. - Migrant Workers- Bahrain continues to enforce the kafala (sponsorship) system that ties migrant workers’ visas to their employers, which means if they leave their employer without their employer’s consent, they lose their residency status and can face arrest, fines, and deportation for “absconding.” In 2009, Bahrain allowed migrant workers to terminate their employment contracts after one year with their first employer if they give reasonable notice (at least 30 days) to their employer. However, in January 2022, the parliament voted to extend this to two years. The workers are also expected to bear their own fees for the two-year work permit, which has been too onerous for many, resulting in little up-take. Bahrain’s Labor Law includes domestic workers but excludes them from some protections, such as weekly rest days, a minimum wage, and limits on working hours. - Online Surveillance and Censorship- Bahraini authorities continued to block websites and forced the removal of online content, particularly social media posts criticizing the  government. While social media remains a key space for activism and dissent, self-censorship is high due to the fear of online surveillance and intimidation from authorities. In March 2023, Bahraini authorities arrested four men over social media posts. Ebrahim Al-Mannai, one of the four men arrested, was a lawyer and prominent activist who made a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, stating that the Bahraini government should reform its parliament if it is interested in highlighting the Bahraini parliament to the world. Bahrain has purchased and used spyware, including NSO Group’s Pegasus spyware, to target government critics and human rights defenders. Once Finished Please send your document to the google form: https://forms.gle/3VR8fXtX2NHftDwi6, so your officer can look over and give you feedback if needed. If your officer doesn’t reach out in a couple of days please feel free to contact them, talk to your school president, or school advisor. Topic Background  Topic Background- Research , Task 1B Please use the following space to write out an in-depth and clearly defined topic background for your future reference and resolution. You must do the following: clearly define what the topic is, and answer the question in regards to your topic: “What causes this issue?”, “Who is impacted by this issue?”, and “Where is this issue most prevalent?”. Make sure you’re using credible sources of information to understand your topic. Do not use Wikipedia, the news, or blogs! Feel free to use space however you see fit: bullet-points, lists, paragraphs, colors, etc. As long as you meet the requirements and stay organized, anyway of writing is fine. Clearly define what the problem is: HUMAN RIGHTS While complaints of torture and other cruel treatment decreased in comparison to other years, the rights of those who were deprived of their freedom were nonetheless infringed. In Bahrain, authorities have crushed some nonviolent protests, harassed and persecuted their critics, and twice prevented Shia Muslims from entering the largest Shia mosque. Answer the questions below in regard to your problem: 1. What key factors cause the problem? The human rights situation in Bahrain is shaped by several key factors: - Political Repression: The government has a history of suppressing dissent, including the arrest and imprisonment of opposition figures, activists, and journalists. - Freedom of Expression: There are strict laws regulating freedom of speech and press. Criticism of the government or the monarchy can lead to severe penalties. - Judicial Independence: Concerns about the independence of the judiciary exist, with allegations of unfair trials and lack of due process, particularly for political prisoners. - Torture and Ill-treatment: Reports of torture and ill-treatment of detainees, especially those held in connection with political activities, have been documented by various human rights organizations. - Discrimination: The Shia majority in Bahrain often faces discrimination in various sectors, including employment, government representation, and access to public services. - Restrictions on Assembly: Laws limit the right to peaceful assembly, and protests are often met with heavy-handed responses from security forces. - Civil Society Limitations: NGOs and civil society organizations face significant restrictions, including difficulties in obtaining permits and government scrutiny. 2. Who is impacted/involved in the problem? Several groups and individuals are impacted or involved in the human rights issues in Bahrain: - Political Activists: Individuals who advocate for democratic reforms often face arrest, harassment, and imprisonment. - Opposition Parties: Political groups, especially those representing the Shia majority, have been significantly affected by repression and bans. - Journalists and Media Workers: Journalists who report on human rights abuses or criticize the government are frequently targeted for censorship, detention, or violence. - Civil Society Organizations: NGOs and human rights organizations face restrictions, making it difficult for them to operate or advocate for change. - General Population: The broader population, particularly the Shia community, experiences systemic discrimination and limitations on freedom of expression, assembly, and access to services. - International Community: Foreign governments and human rights organizations monitor the situation, often calling for reforms or sanctions in response to human rights violations. - Security Forces: Government security forces are involved in enforcing laws that suppress dissent, often using excessive force during protests and demonstrations. 3. What other countries have close relations with yours, that could have positive or negative impacts on the problem? Bahrain has close relations with several countries that can have both positive and negative impacts on its human rights situation: - Saudi Arabia: As a close ally, Saudi Arabia has significant influence over Bahrain. While it can provide support for the Bahraini government, particularly in suppressing dissent, it can also pressure Bahrain to address human rights concerns, especially given the regional dynamics and shared Shia-Sunni tensions. - United States: The U.S. maintains a strategic partnership with Bahrain, particularly due to its military presence and interests in the Gulf. This relationship can lead to diplomatic pressure for reforms, but it can also result in the U.S. prioritizing security and stability over human rights concerns. - United Kingdom: The UK has historical ties with Bahrain and continues to engage in defense and trade relations. It has sometimes called for improved human rights practices, but the extent of this influence can vary.  - Iran: Iran's relationship with Bahrain is contentious, with Bahrain often accusing Iran of meddling in its internal affairs. This dynamic can exacerbate sectarian tensions and impact Bahrain's domestic policies. - Qatar: Although relations have been strained in recent years, Qatar has historically been an important regional player. Its stance on political issues can influence Bahrain’s approach to dissent and reform. - United Nations and International NGOs: Various international organizations monitor human rights conditions and advocate for reform. Their reports and pressure can influence Bahrain's policies but may also lead to government backlash against civil society. 4. Brainstorm solutions for this problem (Look for if this has been attempted before, and see if it worked or didn’t) Addressing human rights issues in Bahrain requires a multifaceted approach. Here are some potential solutions: - Legal Protections: (has been attempted) ○ Strengthen legal frameworks to protect freedom of speech, assembly, and association. ○ Establish independent oversight bodies to monitor law enforcement practices and investigate abuses. - Human Rights Education:(has been attempted) ○ Promote human rights education within the community, including schools and civil society organizations, to raise awareness and empower citizens. - International Advocacy:(has been attempted) ○ Encourage international organizations and foreign governments to advocate for human rights in Bahrain, including leveraging diplomatic channels to pressure for reforms. ○ Increase visibility of human rights issues through reports and campaigns by NGOs to mobilize global attention. - Support for Civil Society:(has been attempted) ○ Provide funding and resources for local human rights organizations to help them operate effectively and safely. ○ Create safe spaces for civil society to engage in advocacy without fear of retaliation. - Comprehensive Truth and Reconciliation Commission: This has not been established in Bahrain. While calls for accountability and reconciliation have been made, there has been no formal process to address past abuses.  - Public Forums for Dialogue: While there have been some attempts at dialogue, formal public forums that allow citizens to engage openly with government officials have not been a common practice. - Broad-Based Civic Education Programs: There are some educational initiatives, but a comprehensive, systematic program focused on civic rights and responsibilities has not been effectively implemented. 5. Who are the main stakeholders involved in your issue (ex. countries, parties, groups, organizations., etc.) ? What are their positions and interests? The main stakeholders involved in the human rights issues in Bahrain include: - Bahraini Government: The government, led by the ruling monarchy, generally prioritizes stability and control, often responding to dissent with repression. Interests: Maintaining power, ensuring national security, and preserving the current political system. The government is also interested in international legitimacy and economic stability. - Opposition Parties: Position: Various political groups, particularly those representing the Shia majority, advocate for democratic reforms and greater political freedoms. Interests: Seeking an end to political repression, achieving equitable representation in government, and addressing grievances related to discrimination and rights violations. - Civil Society Organizations: Local and international NGOs focus on promoting human rights and providing support for victims of abuses. Interests: Advocating for accountability, raising awareness about human rights issues, and supporting reforms. They often face government restrictions. - International Human Rights Organizations: Organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch monitor and report on human rights abuses in Bahrain. Interests: Promoting human rights globally, holding governments accountable, and mobilizing international pressure for reforms. - Foreign Governments: Countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and members of the European Union have strategic interests in Bahrain but vary in their approach to human rights. Interests: Balancing security and military partnerships with human rights advocacy. Some governments advocate for reforms, while others prioritize stability and regional security.  - Regional Powers: Countries like Saudi Arabia and Iran have significant influence in Bahrain, often affecting its internal politics. Interests: Saudi Arabia seeks to maintain a Sunni-led order and counter Iranian influence, while Iran often positions itself as a supporter of Shia rights in the region. - The Bahraini Public: Citizens have varied perspectives but many express a desire for greater political participation and protection of their rights. Interests: Seeking social justice, political freedoms, economic opportunities, and better governance. - Media: Local and international media play a role in reporting on the situation in Bahrain. Interests: Providing accurate coverage of human rights issues and government actions, often facing challenges related to censorship and repression. 6. What recent developments or events have contributed to the issue? Recent developments in Bahrain have continued to impact the human rights situation in various ways: - Increased Repression: In recent years, the Bahraini government has intensified its crackdown on dissent, particularly targeting activists, journalists, and opposition figures. This includes arbitrary arrests and lengthy prison sentences for those advocating for political reforms. - Political Trials and Sentencing: High-profile trials of opposition leaders and activists have been ongoing. Sentences have often been severe, reflecting the government's commitment to silencing dissent. For example, some prominent figures associated with the 2011 protests have faced harsh penalties. - International Attention and Criticism: Human rights organizations have continued to raise awareness about the situation in Bahrain, leading to increased international scrutiny. Reports from organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch highlight ongoing abuses and call for reforms. - Normalization of Relations with Israel: The normalization of relations between Bahrain and Israel in 2020 has shifted some diplomatic dynamics. While this has led to increased economic and security cooperation, it has also drawn criticism regarding Bahrain's human rights practices, as activists argue that international support should be contingent upon improving rights conditions. - Impact of COVID-19: The pandemic affected civil society dynamics, with authorities using health measures as a pretext to limit gatherings and suppress protests. Some activists reported increased monitoring and repression during this period.  - Economic Challenges: Bahrain's economy has faced significant challenges due to falling oil prices and the pandemic, leading to austerity measures. Economic discontent can fuel social unrest, and the government's response to economic grievances often intersects with human rights issues. - Engagement with the International Community: Bahrain has attempted to improve its image through engagement with international forums and human rights organizations, but the effectiveness of these efforts is often questioned, especially when reports of abuses continue. - Emergence of Digital Activism: Despite government crackdowns, digital platforms have allowed activists to continue their work, though they face increased surveillance and potential consequences. The rise of online advocacy has become a critical tool for raising awareness. 7. What are major challenges or obstacles that need to be faced in order to address the issue? 8. What actions have already been taken? Especially by international organizations such as the UN, NATO, etc.? How effective have these measures been? What treaties, resolutions, or agreements are related to your issue? 9. What are potential future scenarios if the issue is not addressed? What technologies and trends affect this issue?  10. What are the ethical implications of the issue? 11. What are the moral responsibilities of the international community and of the UN related to your country's issue? Once Finished Please send your document to the google form:https://forms.gle/NQDtmszTk1xEDGsf8 , so your officer can look over and give you feedback if needed and have your completion slip signed. If your officer doesn’t reach out in a couple of days please feel free to contact them, talk to your school president, or school advisor.