MEPI in Bahrain

Completed MEPI Programs

The following provides descriptions of completed programs in Bahrain, as well as a list of completed Regional Programs in which Bahraini organizations or individuals participated.

Bahrain Programs

Bahrain Human Rights Society

Improving Public, Parliament, and Ministry Support for Human Rights Protection in Bahrain - Since its establishment in 2001, the Bahrain Human Rights Society (BHRS) has been producing an annual human rights report about the protection and/or abuse of human rights in Bahrain.  This project empowered the BHRS to leverage the report into an effective mechanism for more significantly affecting public opinion, ministry policy, and legislative action. BHRS conducted its research and compiled its initial report per usual, utilizing other sources of funding.  This project began at the point BHRS has completed its first draft.  With support through this project, BHRS did not only print 1000 copies of the report, but will also held a press conference; launched a public opinion billboard campaign; presented key findings and legislative recommendations to a parliamentary committee;  presented key findings and policy recommendations to ministers and senior ministry staff; and held a final public meeting reviewing civil society actions and government responses in the months following the report’s release. 

CHUM Television International

Bahrain Media Assessment and Strategic Planning [Political] - Under this program, CHUM Television International produced a strategic plan for content and management improvements and identified the necessary steps for alternative regulatory and ownerships options such as possible divestiture and the creation of an independent, non-governmental broadcasting corporation.

Economic Development Center

Labor Sector Technical Advisor [Economic] - Through this program, a senior labor market economist provided advice to the government of Bahrain on labor market reform.

National Democractic Institute (NDI)

Legislative/ Civil Society Strengthening [Political] - This program provided assistance in developing the institutional capacity of the Bahraini national assembly and municipal courts. It also assisted political societies in developing the capacity to organize and increase their ability to engage in constructive dialogue with each other and with the government in order to improve the environment in which the 2006 elections will take place.

National Democractic Institute (NDI)/Consortium for Electoral and Political Process Support (CEPPS)

Bahraini Election Reform, Parliamentary and Municipal Election Support [Political] - The Program assisted Bahraini political parties and civil society groups in preparing for the October 2002 legislative elections and subsequently helped train and prepare those elected to operate efficiently in the legislative process.

Regional Programs

Bahraini individuals or groups participated in the following completed programs, which took place in two or more countries in the region (Click Here to see descriptions of regional programs).  MEPI reform pillars are listed in parentheses.

• Egyptian Center for Women's Rights - Arab Women Forum [Women]

• Freedom House - Survey of Women's Freedoms [Women]

• FSVC – Partnership for Financial Excellence Part I [Economic]

• Internews - Initiative for Open and Pluralistic Media in Arabic Speaking Countries [Political]

• Solidarity Center - Building Women's Trade Union Participation [Women]

• University Partnerships – U.S.-Middle East University Partnership Program [Education]