I welcome the steps taken by the
Government of Bahrain in implementing its reform programme based on recommendations made by the
Independent Commission of Inquiry. There is more to do, and I encourage greater progress in relaxing censorship and allowing the
opposition greater access to the media. In 2014 the
UK hosted a delegation from Bahrain’s
Ministry of Information to share best practice on media relations and press freedom.
The British Government is supporting Bahrain's reform programme on a range of issues. Assistance is focused on strengthening human rights and the rule of law, including torture prevention and capacity building in the Ombudsman's Office for the Ministry of Interior, which has responsibility for investigating allegations of detainee mistreatment.