“If we all work on it jointly in partnership, it can be done. Because that’s what human rights for all is all about: progress through action, impact and change,” she said.

As trusted partners of the government of Bangladesh, Mia Seppo said, UN agencies remain committed to working with all stakeholders in society who contribute to good faith to effective human rights action at global, regional, national and local levels. 

She made the remarks while addressing a seminar titled ‘Bangladesh and Human Rights’ at Inter-Continental Hotel in the city. Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen spoke as the chief in the inaugural session of the seminar.

Mia Seppo said the United Nations in Bangladesh will always welcome renewed public commitment to respect for human rights at seminars such as these. 

She said without anticipating the outcome of the event they also look forward to supporting concrete action by all partners in this country. 

“We’ll support continuing engagement in areas where there’s a commendable track record, and new leadership by Bangladesh on critical human rights issues. This may include national action by the recently-constituted Government, and international action, as a recently-elected member of the Human Rights Council,” said Seppo.

She said the new government has clearly committed itself to preventing any attempts to violate human rights, which is in line with its obligations under the human rights treaties.

“There’s also a supported Universal Periodic Review (UPR) recommendation relating to investigations into alleged extrajudicial executions, disappearances, arbitrary arrests and torture or ill-treatment,” said the UN Resident Coordinator.

Mia Seppo said any impunity must be overcome, and any such serious human rights violations prevented.

The seminar ended on a promising note - a commitment to an action plan on UPR and treaty body follow up, Mia Seppo tweeted saying, “We welcome this commitment and stand ready to support.”

In the closing session, Foreign Secretary M Shahidul Haque reflected on state behaviour and geopolitics in a post-human rights and post-fact world, another tweet reads.