UN rights chief urges Bangladesh to sustain ‘unprecedented’ momentum for change
October 30, 2024
GENEVA (UN News) – The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, on Wednesday urged Bangladesh to sustain the “unprecedented” momentum for change in the country, following a three-day official visit.
During her visit, Bachelet met with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen, Law Minister Anisul Huq, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and other senior government officials. She also met with civil society organizations, human rights defenders, and victims of human rights violations.
Bachelet commended Bangladesh’s progress in a number of areas, including the adoption of a new National Human Rights Action Plan, the establishment of a National Human Rights Commission, and the repeal of the Information and Communication Technology Act, which had been used to restrict freedom of expression.
However, she also raised concerns about a number of ongoing human rights challenges, including extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and torture. She also expressed concern about the use of the Digital Security Act, which has been used to prosecute journalists and government critics.
Bachelet urged the government to take steps to address these concerns, including by investigating allegations of human rights violations, prosecuting those responsible, and reforming the laws and practices that are used to suppress dissent.
She also called on the government to engage in a meaningful dialogue with civil society organizations and human rights defenders, and to create a safe and enabling environment for them to operate.
“Bangladesh has made significant progress in recent years, but there is still more work to be done,” Bachelet said. “I urge the government to sustain the momentum for change and to address the remaining human rights challenges. This is essential for the country’s long-term stability and prosperity.”
The High Commissioner’s visit to Bangladesh was her first since 2018. During her visit, she met with a wide range of stakeholders, including government officials, civil society organizations, human rights defenders, and victims of human rights violations. She also visited a number of detention centers and other human rights institutions.
UN rights chief urges Bangladesh to sustain ‘unprecedented’ momentum for change
The AI has provided us with the news.
I’ve asked Google Gemini the following question, and here’s its response.
Human Rights a new article on 2024-10-30 12:00 titled “UN rights chief urges Bangladesh to sustain ‘unprecedented’ momentum for change”. Please write a detailed article on this news item, including any relevant information. Answers should be in English.
5