BAHRAIN: GOB WILL WORK TO OPEN SHELTER, PASS

C O N F I D E N T I A L MANAMA 000863 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/15/2016 TAGS: KHUM PHUM PGOV BA HUMRIT SUBJECT: BAHRAIN: GOB WILL WORK TO OPEN SHELTER, PASS LEGISLATION REF: STATE 76597 Classified By: DCM Susan L. Ziadeh for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) PolOff delivered reftel demarche May 15 to MFA Human Rights Coordinator Ali Al Aradi, who said that he would discuss the points with MFA Assistant Undersecretary for Coordination and Follow Up Shaikh Abdul Aziz Bin Mubarak Al Khalifa. Al Aradi confirmed that progress toward opening the shelter for victims of trafficking continues, saying that he had received word that the shelter may open its doors sometime this summer, which he thought was a bit optimistic. He surmised that fall was a more realistic time frame. He said that he would propose to Shaikh Abdul Aziz that FM Shaikh Khalid Bin Ahmed Al Khalifa personally approach Minister of Social Development Fatima Al Balushi, whose ministry is responsible for opening the shelter, to encourage quick action. ¶2. (C) Al Aradi confirmed to PolOff that the anti-trafficking legislation had been transferred to the Cabinet, but that it had not yet been scheduled for discussion. Al Aradi said that a reason for this may be the closing of the current parliamentary session sometime in June and the already long list of legislation on which the parliament is expected to take action prior to the end of the session. Al Aradi acknowledged that if the legislation is not passed this session it will likely be delayed several months due to the fall elections and convening of a new parliament. He noted that the King has the authority to take up the law himself and make it a royal decree. Al Aradi said he would present this option to Shaikh Abdul Aziz. (Comment: We view this as unlikely given the GOB's interest in reinforcing the position of parliament and enhancing its credibility.) MONROE