On International Women’s Day, 23 NGOs Issue Joint Letter to Bahrain’s King, Calling to Grant Bahraini Mothers the Equal Right to Pass Their Nationality to Their Children

Salam for Democracy and Human Rights, along with 22 partner organizations, have issued a letter to King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain, calling on the government to amend its 1963 Nationality Law to grant Bahraini mothers the equal right to pass their nationality to their children. This long standing discrimination has significant consequences for Bahraini mothers, their children, and their families, as well as for the broader society of Bahrain.

As part of the My Mother My Nationality campaign, our letter highlights the human rights violation caused by gender discrimination in nationality laws in Bahrain and emphasizes the urgent need for reform to align with Bahrain’s constitutional equality and its international obligations. Without citizenship, children face serious challenges, including unequal access to education, healthcare; access to formal employment, residence, financial services, property rights, and inheritance, as well as restricted freedom of movement. These obstacles undermine their ability to fully participate in Bahraini society and their potential to contribute to Bahrain’s future. When Bahraini women are unable to pass their nationality to their children, and children are unable to acquire their father’s nationality, they are often rendered stateless. In addition, Bahraini women’s inability to pass on their citizenship to their children often puts their families at risk of separation and places significant financial, psychological, and physical strains on families.

Eliminating discrimination against Bahraini mothers in the nationality law would strengthen Bahraini families, advance gender equality, and support Bahrain’s sustainable development. The economic and social benefits of equal nationality rights are far-reaching and will contribute to the country’s progress and prosperity. Bahrain would position itself as a champion of gender equality in the region, setting a powerful example for other countries to follow, and joining the 90% of nations globally that uphold women’s right to confer citizenship on their children on an equal basis with men.

We appeal to the government of Bahrain to take action to realize its commitments and amend Bahrain’s nationality law to ensure Bahraini women can pass their nationality to their children on an equal basis with men. We stand ready to offer our technical expertise and assistance to support this reform, in alignment with Bahrain’s constitution, values, and commitment to equality and international human rights standards.