2.3 The term “racial discrimination” as defined in Article (1) of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD), to which the Kingdom of Bahrain acceded by virtue of Decree No. (8) of 1990, means “1. Any distinction, exclusion, restriction or preference based on race, colour, descent, or national or ethnic origin which has the purpose or effect of nullifying or impairing the recognition, enjoyment or exercise, on an equal footing, of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the political, economic, social, cultural or any other field of public life. This Convention shall not apply to any distinction, exclusion, restriction or preference between nationals and non-nationals by any State party to it.” 2.4 By reference to the General Recommendations of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, it is evident that the Committee has decided, in its consideration of forms of racial discrimination, to intensify its efforts in integrating a gender perspective, gender analysis and promoting the use of genderinclusive language in its mechanisms adopted during sessions, including the review of reports provided by states parties, concluding observations, early warning mechanisms, urgent action procedures, and general recommendations. 2.5 Accordingly, based on the concept of the relevant international convention, it is evident that the concept of racial discrimination is limited to any discrimination based on race, colour, descent, national or ethnic origin, or gender. Given that the present report includes issues related to combating racism and racial discrimination, NIHR decided to highlight its role in the field of human rights protection, for cases that fall within the scope of the “Additional Information” Parallel Report of the National Institution for Human Rights in the Kingdom of Bahrain to the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) © 2022 25