National Action Charter

2001, Bahrain

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July 17, 2026

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The National Action Charter was a document overwhelmingly approved by Bahrainis in a referendum in 2001. It articulated goals for establishing an elected parliament and a constitutional monarchy in Bahrain. This led to a new constitution in 2002, which declared Bahrain a constitutional monarchy and established equality between Sunnis and Shi'is, while guaranteeing civil and property rights. The charter aimed to ease tensions and address grievances, particularly following the 1979 revolution in Iran and subsequent unrest related to economic issues and discrimination against the Shi'i population.12

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Bahrain
1999–2010: Reforms of Sheikh Hamad ibn ʿIsa Al Khalifah
…supported by Bahrainis—that ratified the National Action Charter. The charter was followed in 2002 with the promulgation of a new constitution that established a constitutional monarchy in Bahrain, called for equality between Sunnis and Shiʿis, and guaranteed civil and property rights to all citizens.
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…supported by Bahrainis—that ratified the National Action Charter. The charter was followed in 2002 with the promulgation of a new constitution that established a constitutional monarchy in Bahrain, called for equality between Sunnis and Shiʿis, and guaranteed civil and property rights to all citizens.
Read More