Statement by the UN Resident Coordinator in Bahrain on the removal of Article 353 of Bahrain's 1976 Penal Code

The United Nations in Bahrain congratulates the Kingdom of Bahrain after its House of Representatives voted, on 9 May, to remove Article 353 from the 1976 Penal Code, which had exempted rapists from prosecution if they married their victim.

This landmark legislative reform will increase the protection of the fundamental rights of women and girls in Bahrain. It represents another significant step towards achieving Bahrain’s global commitments for the Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Developments Goals (SDGs), in particular SDG 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. The reform is also a highly positive achievement in the implementation the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW).

In July, Bahrain will present its second Voluntary National Report on progress in the national implementation of Agenda 2030 to the High-Level Political Forum in New York. Last week’s legislative milestone highlights the kingdom’s leadership on gender-inclusive sustainable national development.

The United Nations in Bahrain also congratulates the Supreme Council for Women (SCW), whose coordination of the National Strategy for Bahraini Women under the leadership of Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Wife of His Majesty the King and SCW President, has driven momentum for sustainable development that recognizes and benefits from the full participation of women.

The United Nations remains committed to continue supporting the Kingdom of Bahrain in achieving Agenda 2030, including SDG 5.