Ombudsman Institution in the Kingdom of Bahrain

Aim. To analyze the legal status of the Ombudsman’s Office in the Kingdom of Bahrain, identifying the specifics of its functioning and its place in the state mechanism of this country.

Methodology. During the study, both general methods of scientific knowledge (the method of analysis and synthesis, induction and deduction) and special methods were used such as a comparative legal method, which made it possible to correlate the national characteristics of the ombudsman institution in the Kingdom of Bahrain with similar institutions in other countries, and a method of historical legal analysis which was used for analyzing historical events and the preconditions for the adoption of normative legal acts establishing this institution and regulating its activities in this country.

Results. The legal framework for the organization and functioning of the ombudsman’s office in the Kingdom of Bahrain is described. Trends aimed at strengthening institutional guarantees for human rights protection in this Middle Eastern state are identified. Shortcomings of the existing ombudsman model in Bahrain are revealed.

Research implications. Thе research contributes to the study of issues related to the adaptation and transformation of Western legal institutions (such as the ombudsman institution) into legal systems which are not considered to be complete democracies. The practical significance of the analysis of the legal status and operational features of the Bahraini ombudsman allows to assess the extent to which the establishment and activities of this institution can influence the reduction of the level of political tension in society, and may also serve as an argument in favor of gradually expanding the actual powers of the institution without a radical overhaul of the country’s political system. Moreover, the political and legal experience of Bahrain (the first country in the region implemented this institution), the results of which are being observed by neighboring states, may influence regional trends in changing public administration.

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