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Interview with His Excellency

YusufAbdulkarim

Ambassador ofthe Kingdom of Bahrain

Q: What are your feelings about
the international community in
Geneva?

It is actually a great experience. The
people I deal with have a professional
background, especially in the field
of international law. I'm so happy to
represent my country in this field.
Actually, a large number of issues re-
quire tlie attention of the Internatio-
nal Organizations. Due to the present
situation, the United Nations liave
much to deal with, especially in the
field ofhuman rights. Bahrain is a firm
advocate ofthepromotion andthepro-
tection of liuman rights, and attaches
great importance to tliis issue; we are,
as risual, willing to use peaceful mea-
sures to resolve any kind of conflicts,
at national or international levels.

Q: Since you are a specialist in
human rights, are you enjoying
the work of the Human Rights
Council?

This is an issue that is very close to
most of the Ainbassadors here in
Geneva. Human Rights are in the
mandate of the United Nations, and
always come at the top of the prio-
rities. Among the crises or difficul-
ties facing nations everywhere in the
world is the human rights issue in
their countries. So, yes, human rights
issues are always in focus.

Q: Your country has been cri-
ticized recently in the Human
Rights Council. What is it like
to have the finger pointed at you
and to hear that the human rights
situation in Bahrain is not good?

I have to start by saying that we feel
very sorry about what happened in
our country during February and
March 2011 when some very unfor-
tunate events took place. Frankly, we
have not experienced such a situation
since the independence. It was a diffi-
cult moment, not only for the Govern-
ment, but for the whole society.

06 International