Bahrain boasts to Japan of human rights record

MANAMA, Bahrain, Dec. 11 (UPI) -- Bahrain's government said Wednesday it reviewed progress made in the human rights arena during talks in Manama with the Japanese ambassador.

Bahraini Human Rights Minister Salah bin Ali Abdul-Rahman met Japanese Ambassador to Bahrain Shigeki Sumi in the capital.

The Bahraini leader said he would send a delegation to Japan next year to survey its efforts to advance human rights. In Bahrain, the minister said much progress has been made on the reforms recommended by an independent panel on political violence in 2011, the official Bahrain News Agency reported.

Last year, rights group Amnesty International accused the government of falling short on reforms recommended by the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry. The independent panel was established to probe early 2011 civil unrest and the subsequent government crackdown.

In late 2012, Bahrain banned public demonstrations citing mounting security challenges but has since relaxed some restrictions.

The British government issued a travel advisory Wednesday, warning of the possibility for violent demonstrations Thursday and Friday in Bahrain.

"These activities may include attempts to disrupt traffic, protests in villages and near economic centers, burning tires, throwing Molotov cocktails, and the possible use of improvised explosive devices," the warning said.