Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa has awarded the Order of Bahrain First Class to British Ambassador Alastair Long, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from human rights groups who argue it undermines the UK's stance on human rights in the Gulf kingdom.
Award Details and Context
The award, one of Bahrain's highest civilian honours, was conferred in recognition of Long's service in strengthening bilateral ties between the UK and Bahrain. The ceremony took place at the Al Safriya Palace on June 23, 2026, and was attended by senior Bahraini officials. Long has served as the UK's ambassador to Bahrain since 2022.
According to the Bahrain News Agency, the king praised Long's efforts in promoting cooperation in various fields, including trade, security, and culture. The UK Foreign Office confirmed the award, stating it reflects the strong partnership between the two nations.
Human Rights Concerns
Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Bahrain Watch, have condemned the award, pointing to Bahrain's poor human rights record. The kingdom has been criticized for suppressing dissent, imprisoning activists, and using excessive force against protesters since the 2011 Arab Spring uprising.
“This award sends a deeply troubling message that the UK government is willing to overlook serious human rights abuses for the sake of diplomatic and economic interests,” said a spokesperson for Amnesty International. “Ambassador Long should have refused this honour, as it compromises the UK's commitment to human rights.”
Diplomatic Implications
The award comes at a time when the UK is seeking to deepen ties with Gulf states post-Brexit. Bahrain hosts the UK's HMS Juffair naval base, and the two countries have strong security cooperation. However, critics argue that such awards undermine the credibility of UK diplomats in advocating for human rights.
“This is a clear case of a diplomat being co-opted by a repressive regime,” said Sayed Alwadaei, director of Bahrain Watch. “By accepting this award, Ambassador Long has compromised the integrity of his position and the values he is supposed to represent.”
The UK Foreign Office declined to comment on the criticism, reiterating its commitment to human rights while maintaining that the award reflects the positive aspects of the bilateral relationship.
