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Human rights abuses in Bahrain
Lead NCPUnited Kingdom
Supporting NCP(s)None Selected
DescriptionSpecific instance notified by the NGO Americans for Democracy and Human Rights in Bahrain regarding the activities of four companies, Formula One World Championship Limited (FOWC), Formula One Management Limited (FOM), Delta 3 (UK) Limited, and Beta D3 Limited in Bahrain.
Theme(s)General policies, Human rights
Date11 Jun 2014
Host country(ies)Bahrain
SourceNGO
Industry sectorArts, entertainment and recreation
StatusConcluded
Summary

Read the final statement issued by the UK NCP - May 2015

Read the initial assessment issued by the UK NCP - 22 October 2014


In June 2014 the UK NCP received a request for review from the NGO Americans for Democracy and Human Rights in Bahrain alleging that four related companies: Formula One World Championship Limited (FOWC), Formula One Management Limited (FOM), Delta 3 (UK) Limited, and Beta D3 Limited had breached the general principles, and human rights provisions of the Guidelines in Bahrain in relation to their management of the Formula One motor racing Grand Prix.

More specifically the NGO alleged that holding Grand Prix events in Bahrain in 2012, 2013 and 2014 has helped to present an international image of Bahrain which is at odds with the reality of ongoing human rights abuses. It also alleges that the events have given rise to new human rights abuses, because of the response of security forces to protests associated with the events.

The NCP undertook an initial assessment and concluded that the specific instance merited further examination where the issues related to the companies' obligations to do appropriate due diligence, and stakeholder engagement. These issues are accepted in relation to Formula One World Championship Limited and Formula One Management Limited. The NCP will not pursue these issues in relation to Delta 3 UK Limited and Beta D3 Limited because these are not operational companies. The NCPs initial assessment gives full details about its decision.

Both parties accepted the offer of mediation by the NCP, and two meetings were held in January and April 2015. As a result of these meetings the parties informed the NCP that they had reached an agreement (See Annex A to the NCP's final statement). After being informed of this postive outcome, the NCP duly concluded the specific instance.