UN High Commissioner for Human Rights expressed concerns over Bahrain new repressive laws

"The proposal violates international law, which prohibits nations from revoking citizenship except in specific instances. The measure can lead to nation-less convicts who could then be subjected to human rights abuses," said Cecile Pouilly, spokeswoman for the U.N. Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.
 
"We reiterate that the right to nationality is a fundamental right protected by article 15 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which provides that no one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his or her nationality," Pouilly said. "While recognizing the responsibility of States to maintain law and order, we remind the authorities that any measure should respect international human rights standards."
 
The legislation is being considered by Bahrain's national assembly after it was supported by royal decree in 2006. In addition to revoking citizenship for anyone convicted of inciting terrorism or committing a terrorist act, it also bans all protests, sit-ins and rallies in Bahrain's capital, Manama.
 
OHCHR said that although it welcomes the Parliament’s recommendation that “basic liberties, particularly freedom of opinion, should not be affected to maintain a balance between law enforcement and human rights protection,” it reiterates its concern about the restrictions on public demonstrations and other public gatherings.
 
“We call upon the Government of Bahrain to fully comply with its international human rights commitments, including respect for freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, and association, and urge all demonstrators to exercise these rights in a peaceful manner,” the spokesperson said.
 
The UN has repeatedly called for dialogue among all parties in Bahrain since civil unrest, including clashes between security forces and demonstrators broke out in early 2011, when widespread protests first emerged in the country.