GENEVA: Bahrain is facing many challenges when it comes to human rights issues with the unfortunate incidents last year leaving behind many issues to address, the UN Human Rights Council heard yesterday.

Minister of State for Human Rights Affairs Dr Salah Ali, addressing the session for the kingdom's Universal Periodic Review, said Bahrain had sought the opportunities thrown up by the challenges and implemented great reforms and realised many accomplishments for its people.

Caution and well-thought reactions had guided the kingdom's response to the unrest, which are natural and seen in every country in the world every now and then as a result of fast-paced global changes and national aspirations.

The dialogue initiated last year had enabled a comprehensive review and many demands were met, including those for constitutional reform and amendment of many laws, he said.