Since the Sheikh Hamad's succession in March last year, he has promoted reform and reconciliation. Bahrain has embarked on a prisoner release programme, and the jails are being emptied of those involved in political violence. To mark Human Rights Day Sheikh Hamad pardoned another 195 prisoners, and the total now released stands at 789 since he became Emir. Those released included members of those organisations that killed 38 civilians and caused widespread destruction in a wave of political violence in the mid-1990s. However, as part of the release and rehabilitation programme the Prime Minister, Sheikh Khalifa, ordered that all those pardoned, even those accused of the most serious crimes, be found employment to allow for their full and immediate reintegration in society.
All reconciliations are controversial.
However, Sheikh Hamad has a clear vision of where Bahrain's future lies. Sheikh Hamad intends to build on this legacy from his father, the late Emir, Sheikh Isa, and ensure that the social pluralism that is such a strong feature of society is matched by political pluralism. This spring, Bahrain will hold its first municipal elections, where voters will be able to choose who runs the country's local authorities. In accordance with Bahrain's tradition, women, as well as men, have the right to vote. Women's rights have always been an integral part of human rights in Bahrain.