Bahrain Mirror: Amnesty International UK called for "proper due diligence" by the Prince's Foundation, which is taking part in a major property development in Bahrain despite the country's human rights violations.

Amnesty International said that the Prince's Foundation has a responsibility to "avoid complicity in human rights violations", after the Daily Mail reported that the charity would proceed with work in the Gulf country.

The Prince's Foundation, an urban design and architecture charity established by King Charles, posted a job advert for an urban design assistant to help with its new town project in Bahrain.

The charity has received criticism for the partnership since it accepted the contract, due to the Gulf country's excessive use of force in response to pro-democracy protests.

Human rights groups have also spoken against the current Bahraini ruling family, who last November banned opposing parties from the elections for the lower house of parliament, which advises King Hamad.

Commenting on the decision to continue work on the project, Peter Frankental, economic affairs director at Amnesty International UK, said: "All business entities - including foundations and trusts - have a responsibility to avoid complicity in human rights violations, and among other things the Prince's Foundation will need to ensure that its housing project in Bahrain adheres to international labour standards, including with regard to sub-contractors and supply chains."

"Bahrain's human rights record is extremely concerning, with the authorities outlawing major opposition parties and independent media, jailing prominent opposition leaders and outlawing most public gatherings," he stressed, adding that "As with other Gulf countries, migrant workers in Bahrain are denied proper labour rights, and there have been numerous cases of wage theft by unscrupulous employers able to exploit workers as part of the notorious ‘kafala' labour system."

He further stated that "if this project goes ahead, the Prince's Foundation will need to show that it's performed proper due diligence and that it's monitoring and addressing any human rights concerns that may arise."

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