Renewed clashes in Bahrain spark concern from Secretary-General

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon voiced concern today about reports of fresh clashes in Bahrain between security forces and demonstrators, a year after widespread civil protests first emerged in the Middle East country.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson Mr. Ban called on all sides to show maximum restraint and said he expected Bahrain’s authorities “to act in accordance with their international human rights obligations.

“The Secretary-General strongly believes that a genuine, all-inclusive and meaningful dialogue that meets the legitimate aspirations of all Bahrainis is the way to promote peace and stability in the country.”

Last year’s protests in Bahrain were part of the wider Arab Spring movement that resulted in the toppling of long-standing regimes in Tunisia, Libya, Egypt and Yemen and has led to deadly fighting and humanitarian suffering in Syria.

In today’s statement Mr. Ban reiterated his earlier call on Bahraini authorities “to do everything possible to expedite the implementation of the recommendations of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry, especially its provisions aimed at effective confidence-building measures.”