United News of Bangladesh

UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk on Tuesday urged the world to act to prevent the total collapse of critical life-saving support in Gaza, where Israeli strikes continue to kill civilians, including in shelters and health facilities. “As the complete blockade of assistance essential for survival enters its ninth week, there must be concerted international efforts to stop this humanitarian catastrophe from reaching a new unseen level,” Türk said. Since 2 March, Israel has prevented the entry of food, fuel and other life-saving assistance to Gaza. Bakeries have now stopped working as flour and fuel have run out, and the remaining stocks of food are being rapidly depleted. “Any use of starvation of the civilian population as a method of war constitutes a war crime, and so do all forms of collective punishment,” the High Commissioner warned. A reported Israeli plan to declare Rafah governorate as a new “humanitarian zone” would require Palestinians to move there to receive food and humanitarian aid. “Such a plan will almost certainly mean large parts of Gaza and those who cannot easily move, including people with disabilities, those who are sick or injured, and women supporting entire families, will be forced to go without food,” Türk said. Israel continues to strike locations in Gaza where Palestinian civilians are sheltering.  Between 18 March and 27 April, the UN Human Rights Office recorded 259 attacks on residential buildings and 99 on tents of internally displaced people (IDP). Most of the attacks resulted in fatalities, including of women and children. Among the strikes on IDP tents, 40 reportedly took place in Al-Mawasi area, where the Israeli army repeatedly directed civilians to seek refuge. “These incidents reflect the pattern we have seen during this escalation, of attacks that raise grave concerns of violations of the principles of distinction, proportionality and precautions. Each of these incidents must be fully investigated. Intentionally directing attacks against civilians not taking a direct part in hostilities would constitute a war crime,” Türk stressed. There are also serious concerns of additional violations as the Israeli army continues to attack health facilities. On 22 and 24 April, the army reportedly struck the Martyr Mohammad Al Durrah Children’s Hospital, putting it completely out of service. Israel committing ‘Livestreamed Genocide’ in Gaza: Amnesty Meanwhile, Israeli forces have continued to target civilian objects indispensable to the survival of the population. On 21 and 22 April, they conducted apparently coordinated attacks in three governorates, destroying 36 heavy machines, including excavators, water trucks and sewer suction tanks. These were used for relief operations, such as removing debris, distributing water and repairing sanitation systems. “Such destruction significantly hinders access to water, degrades public health, and obstructs both the delivery of humanitarian aid and conduct of rescue operations, including retrieving the injured and the dead from under the rubble and clearing debris to allow the ambulances to get to the victims,” the High Commissioner said. Türk reiterated that the cumulative impact of Israeli forces’ conduct in Gaza raises serious concerns that Israel appears to be inflicting on Palestinians in Gaza conditions of life increasingly incompatible with their continued existence as a group in Gaza. “Third States have clear obligations under international law to ensure that such conduct stops immediately, and they must act accordingly,” Türk said. “They also must search for and bring to justice all perpetrators of crimes under international law, by whomever committed.”

Presenting the fact-finding report in Geneva on human rights violations and abuses related to the protests of July and August 2024 in Bangladesh, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk on Wednesday said accountability is absolutely the key. He laid emphasis on future stability and protection of human rights and said it is a huge chance for the country at this pivotal time to deal with its past and overcome its past to reach a moment of healing and truth telling and that includes each and everyone within the society of Bangladesh. Whatever differences are there, Turk stressed that it is “one country and one citizenship,” and it is a unique opportunity for each and every citizen of Bangladesh. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights engaged in dialogue with member states and civil society on the findings and recommendations, with a view to promoting accountability, justice, and human rights reforms in Bangladesh. The interim government of Bangladesh and civil society representatives from Bangladesh also participated in the event. Referring to his first telephone conversation with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, Turk said Dr Yunus told him human rights is at the centre of the reforms and transition. “Of course this is hard work, no doubt about that. This is not easy.” Pakistan eager to hold foreign secretary level talks with Bangladesh to boost ties The UN human rights chief said that is the right spirit and they all need to grasp the opportunity and support the opportunity towards transition. Responding to a question, Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul who was present at the event, said there have been some incidents of political violence against the “torturers, hooligans of the Awami League regime” who oppressed and tortured people for many years. He said there were some incidents where people who were deeply involved with the AL regime were attacked. “We strongly condemned that.” The Law Adviser, however, said most of them belong to the Muslim community and very few people belong to the minority groups. In his concluding remarks, Turk said it is fact that the interim government fully cooperated with them when they deployed their team very quickly at the request of the government. “We will continue to find ways to keep the Human Rights Council informed,” he added.   CA Dr Yunus asks labour ministry to reform labour law maintaining global standard “It will be crucial to ensure due process in criminal cases and investigate revenge violence, including against minorities,” Turk said, while sharing a global update at the 58th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva recently. Turk said Bangladesh last year experienced a paroxysm of violence as the government of the time “brutally suppressed” a student movement that carried human rights as its torch. “The country is now charting a new future,” he said, adding that their recent independent fact-finding report on the grave human rights violations that took place is an “important contribution” to this journey.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk will present the United Nations human rights fact-finding report on human rights violations and abuses related to the protests of July and August 2024 in Bangladesh on March 5. The event will be broadcast live from Geneva on YouTube https://youtube.com/live/szaCueW3WLs at 6pm Dhaka time, said an official at the UN on Tuesday. The team will discuss with member states and civil society on the findings and recommendations to promote accountability, justice, and human rights reforms in Bangladesh. Volker Turk expresses his gratitude to DU VC The interim government of Bangladesh and civil society representatives from Bangladesh will participate in the event. On Monday, Volker Türk hoped that their recent independent fact-finding report will support truth-telling, accountability, reparations, healing and reform in Bangladesh. “It will be crucial to ensure due process in criminal cases and investigate revenge violence, including against minorities,” he said, while sharing a global update at the 58th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva. Volker Türk @DU: 'No repetition, no going back. You must draw a clear line in the sand' Turk said Bangladesh last year experienced a paroxysm of violence as the government of the time “brutally suppressed” a student movement that carried human rights as its torch. “The country is now charting a new future,” he said, adding that their recent independent fact-finding report on the grave human rights violations that took place is an “important contribution” to this journey. UN Resident Coordinator in Dhaka Gwyn Lewis on Sunday informed Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus that Türk will brief the member states about its findings on March 5 during the 55th session of the Human Rights Council. Dr Yunus stressed documenting all "atrocities" committed during the regime of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.  

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has said the UN fact-finding mission on the atrocities during the July-August uprising is in a final stage and will be released by mid-February. He made the comments during a meeting with Bangladesh Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum annual meeting in the Swiss mountain city on Wednesday, said Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder. Türk said the report would also be shared with the Bangladesh side ahead of its publication from the UN rights office in Geneva. The fact-finding team is mandated to establish facts, identify responsibilities, analyze root causes, and make concrete recommendations for Bangladesh to address past human rights violations and prevent their recurrence. Dr Yunus thanked the UN rights office for investigating the crimes committed during the student-led uprising. He said reports of the six major independent commissions would also come out at around the same time. These reports might serve to complement each other, they observed. The chief adviser urged the UN human rights chief for his support in resolving the Rohingya crisis, which has worsened in recent months following the influx of tens of thousands of new refugees from Myanmar. Read: RAB fully cooperating with UN fact-finding team, says Director General While assuring of his full support, Türk said that he was in conversation with relevant stakeholders, including UN special envoy on Myanmar, Julie Bishop, in this regard. The deep human rights crisis in Myanmar needs the world’s attention, Turk said, after his meetings with key leaders including Special Envoy on Myanmar for talks on the urgent need for solutions and a coordinated response that prioritises peace and human rights. Yunus called for creating a UN-overseen safe zone inside Myanmar's Rakhine side in an effort to stop the fresh influx of Rohingyas. The chief adviser referred to the upcoming high-level conference on the Rohingya crisis, saying it will bring global focus to one of the worst humanitarian crises. Türk agreed that such a conference is very important to bring back the lost focus of the international community on the crisis. Read more: Govt to help UN fact-finding mission if they seek any help : Foreign Adviser Lamiya Morshed, SDGs Affairs Principal Coordinator (Senior Secretary), Ambassador Tareq Md Ariful Islam, Bangladesh's Permanent Representative in Geneva and M Riaz Hamidullah, Secretary (West) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, among others, were present.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk on Wednesday said their fact-finding mission is investigating allegations of attacks against minorities between 5 and 15 August. “It is vital that the authorities respond quickly to any incidents reported, by conducting thorough investigations and holding perpetrators accountable,” he said at a press conference. Türk said this will help build trust with minority communities, especially in light of troubling campaigns of misinformation and disinformation as well as hate campaigns on social media. He said transitions are always fraught with risk – and this is all the more pronounced for vulnerable groups. “I commend the efforts made by students and others to protect minorities.” The UN human rights chief said an inclusive approach, where every voice is heard and valued irrespective of class, gender, race, political ideology, identity or religion, will be key – reflecting the aspirations and diversity of the movement that sparked this transition. “Women are at the heart of social justice movements, including the protests in July. And I pay tribute to them,” he said, adding that they must be at the forefront during the transition and beyond. “Any killing needs to be investigated”: UN Rights Chief “Women need to be visible, particularly in leadership and decision-making positions,” Türk said.  The participation of ethnic and religious minorities in the reform structures, as well as of “indigenous peoples”, is also crucial, he said. Türk said the interim government has inherited massive challenges on all fronts, including economic, development, social, political and the rule of law. “Transitions are always complex. And expectations are high. Time is of the essence, but longstanding issues take time to resolve,” he said.  In his discussions with the interim authorities, Türk also expressed support and solidarity for Bangladesh in hosting Rohingya refugees. “The situation in Rakhine State, which I’m sure all of you are following, is only growing worse, and I was told there are new arrivals to Bangladesh.” He said. It is important to take a flexible and humanitarian approach, and to ensure non-refoulement and the protection of new arrivals, the rights body chief said. He mentioned that it is critical to ensure security in the camps, as well as access to livelihoods and education. “I am doing everything I can to galvanise the international community to focus on this issue, to support Bangladesh, and to step up the search for solutions,” Turk said.  UN Human Rights Office spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani and UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh Gwyn Lewis were also present.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has conveyed to Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus that the independent UN fact-finding mission, which is investigating atrocities committed during the July-August mass uprising, would hopefully finalise its report by the first week of December. He called on the Chief Adviser at his office at Tejgaon in Dhaka on Wednesday and briefed him (Chief Adviser) about the work of the UN fact-finding mission and his meetings in Dhaka with advisers, the Chief of Army Staff, heads of Reform Commissions, students, and officials. Briefing the reporters at the Foreign Service Academy, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said the UN team is doing their work independently and they have no influence over that. Alam also said that the fact-finding mission will hand over the report to the chief adviser, and later they will also hand the report over to the relevant ministries and advisers. Deputy Press Secretaries Apurba Jahangir and Mohammad Abul Kalam Azad Majumder also spoke at the media briefing. The UN rights chief also discussed the work of the International Crimes Tribunal of Bangladesh that is now investigating heinous crimes and crimes against humanity committed during the revolution and Reform Commissions set up by the Interim Government to conduct meaningful reforms of the country's institutions. Volker Türk @DU: 'No repetition, no going back. You must draw a clear line in the stand' "There are so many that need to be fixed," he said, adding that he has also spoken to the members of the Inquiry Commission investigating hundreds of cases of enforced disappearances that occurred during the dictatorship.

UN Human Rights High Commissioner Volker Türk on Wednesday laid emphasis on investigating all killings and highlighted the importance of freedom of assembly, expression and political participation. “When it comes to any killings – they need to be investigated irrespective of perpetrators. That’s very clear. All killings need to be investigated, that is what human rights demands. We cannot allow killings to happen with impunity," he said while responding to a question at a media briefing wrapping up his two-day visit. UN Human Rights Office spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani and UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh Gwyn Lewis were also present. It is crucial that the strong winds of change are harnessed and directed with human rights as the compass, said the UN rights chief. He said criminal justice is key, but it is crucial to ensure that charges are not brought in haste, and that due process and fair trial standards are upheld throughout, including in the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT). “I found the interim government to be aware of the problems with the proceedings in the International Crimes Tribunal in the past. My Office has provided comments on amending the ICT law, to bring it into line with international standards and to ensure the right to fair trial, and that justice is served without compromising due process,” he said. Turk said they will be looking at other ways that they can accompany and support this process. “I hope there will also be a public discussion on the use of the death penalty in the future. My own view, informed by the law and by evidence, is clear: the death penalty should be relegated to the past,” he added. The UN rights chief said it is key that criminal cases are not filed against individuals solely on the basis of their previous political affiliation, including members or supporters of Awami League. There are concerns that some charges are not founded on proper investigation, including a large number of murder charges against journalists. It is important not to repeat the patterns of the past, he said. “I welcome the creation by the interim government of a committee to look into this matter as a tool to address the possible proliferation of false cases. It is essential to prioritize due process,” he mentioned. Türk said to restore social cohesion and trust in institutions of the state, it will be crucial to rebuild the civic space that was progressively strangled in recent years. “This will require reforming repressive laws, as well as state institutions that have been in the habit of stifling dissent,” he said, adding that old habits die hard – only systemic change will ensure that the freedoms of expression, of association and peaceful assembly, and the right to political participation are respected. Asked about the banning of Awami League's students wing - Chhatra League using the Anti-Terrorism Act, the UN rights chief said there have been a lot of discussions about terrorism laws and the so-called war on terror. "We have seen the consequences of it because, unfortunately, the labelling of terrorism has been done in a way that has often also included people who disagree, who are political dissidents," Turk said. “So, let's not forget that Nelson Mandela, our big hero who has been healing a whole country, was considered a terrorist by the South African apartheid regime,” he added. About the proposal of banning the Awami League for the July-August killings, Turk said they hope that human rights remain the compass of any process. “And human rights law is clear about it - it promotes the freedom of assembly, the freedom of association, the freedom of political participation. Non recurrence of the past means that you are when it comes to political participation, for example, that you are guided by the very clear provision of human rights law,” said the UN human rights chief said. “You need accountability. You need justice. As I mentioned, you need truth telling. You need memorial, and you need what I mentioned as well, the non-recurrence of the past.” On the healing process, he said there needs to be national ownership for national healing to happen. “The national healing process has always to be one that is homegrown.” “This unique, unprecedented moment in the history of Bangladesh is the result of young men and women having taken to the streets – at great personal risk – to express that they had had enough of being ignored and marginalized,” he added. The UN rights chief welcomed steps taken to repeal the Cyber Security Act, and to withdraw old cases of speech crimes under this law and the Digital Security Act. He also welcomed statements by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus that reinforce Bangladesh’s commitment to human rights, to social justice, and accountability, that acknowledge the need for comprehensive reforms in various institutions, including law enforcement, as well as the need to address economic inequalities. The rapid establishment of commissions to recommend reforms in the judiciary, the election system, the administration, police, the constitution, and Anti-Corruption Commission is commendable, Türk said. “I understand further commissions are being formed on health, media, labour rights and women’s affairs. In my discussions today with several of the commissioners, we discussed the importance of trust-building, inclusivity and the lessons that Bangladesh can draw from experiences in other countries that have grappled with similar issues,” he added. Türk said all these reforms could be a powerful step towards easing decades of intense political division in the country and curbing the patronage politics that have weakened its democratic foundations. The pursuit of justice for the brutal violence against protestors and other people – including children – killed and seriously wounded in July and August is a priority, he said. He was encouraged that in many of the discussions, there was a call for enhanced support of his office, including through a strengthened presence. “We look forward to concluding the discussions on the modalities of our enhanced presence in Bangladesh with the interim government,” said the UN rights chief. The invitation for his office to deploy a fact-finding mission on human rights violations in the context of protests which took place in July and August this year was an important initiative by the interim authorities. “A stronger presence in Bangladesh will enable my office to accompany and support the transition process in this area and in other areas, including by offering advice on legal, institutional, economic and social reforms, transitional justice, reconciliation, and healing,” Türk said. It is a priority for his office to support this dynamic, diverse country and its people through this period of transition, and to do everything they can to help ensure the protection and promotion of human rights for all in Bangladesh, he said. The UN team might take a month to submit its report on human rights violations committed from July 1 to August 15. Earlier, the UN rights chief received an official invitation from the Chief Adviser to conduct an impartial and independent fact-finding mission into human rights violations committed from July 1 to August 15. The office deployed a fact-finding team to Bangladesh, with a view to reporting on violations and abuses perpetrated during the protests, analysing root causes and making recommendations to advance justice and accountability and for longer-term reforms.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk on Tuesday began his two-day Dhaka visit to discuss human rights issues.  Toufique Hasan, Director General (UN) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs received him at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.  Türk is scheduled to hold a number of meetings with senior officials and civil society representatives, among others. During his visit, the High Commissioner will meet Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, said the UN office in Dhaka. The UN rights chief will meet a number of advisers for different ministries, the Chief Justice, the Army Chief and the heads of several reform commissions. Keen to recruit more workers from Bangladesh: Saudi Ambassador Türk will also make an address at the University of Dhaka, where he will meet students involved in the recent movement. He will hold meetings with UN agencies and members of diplomatic missions in Bangladesh. The High Commissioner will hold a news conference in Dhaka at the end of his mission on Wednesday. Earlier, the UN rights chief received an official invitation from the Chief Adviser to conduct an impartial and independent fact-finding mission into human rights violations committed from July 1 to August 15. The office deployed a fact-finding team to Bangladesh, with a view to reporting on violations and abuses perpetrated during the protests, analysing root causes and making recommendations to advance justice and accountability and for longer-term reforms. Volker Türk made a phone call to Bangladesh interim government Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus in August. EU sees opportunities in Bangladesh's rapid renewable energy expansion During his recent visit to New York, Chief Adviser Prof Yunus sought support from foreign friends for Bangladesh's new journey towards a happy and prosperous future, stressing that they do not want to miss the opportunity to build a new Bangladesh. As part of an ongoing engagement with the interim government, an advance team of the UN rights body visited Bangladesh from August 22-29 and met student leaders of the recent protests, as well as a wide range of advisers in the Interim Government, the Chief Justice, senior officers of the police and armed forces, lawyers, journalists and human rights defenders, representatives of political parties, and minority and indigenous communities.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk will visit Bangladesh from October 29 to 30 to discuss human rights issues. He will hold a number of meetings with senior officials and civil society representatives among others. During his visit, the High Commissioner is scheduled to meet Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, said the UN office in Dhaka on Monday. The UN rights chief will meet a number of advisers for different ministries, the Chief Justice, the Army Chief and the heads of several reform commissions. Türk will also make an address at the University of Dhaka, where he will meet students involved in the recent movement. Bangladesh to see several visits from UN this year; Volker Turk likely to come this month He will hold meetings with UN agencies and members of diplomatic missions in Bangladesh. The High Commissioner will hold a news conference in Dhaka at the end of his mission on Wednesday. Earlier, the UN rights chief received an official invitation from the Chief Adviser to conduct an impartial and independent fact-finding mission into human rights violations committed from July 1 to August 15. The office deployed a fact-finding team to Bangladesh, with a view to reporting on violations and abuses perpetrated during the protests, analysing root causes and making recommendations to advance justice and accountability and for longer-term reforms. Volker Türk made a phone call to Bangladesh interim government Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus in August. During his recent visit to New York, Chief Adviser Prof Yunus sought support from foreign friends for Bangladesh's new journey towards a happy and prosperous future, stressing that they do not want to miss the opportunity to build a new Bangladesh. Bangladesh now has an opportunity to chart a new future: Volker Turk On September 17, 1974, Bangladesh became a full member of the United Nations. As part of an ongoing engagement with the interim government, an advance team of the UN rights body visited Bangladesh from August 22-29 and met student leaders of the recent protests, as well as a wide range of advisers in the Interim Government, the Chief Justice, senior officers of the police and armed forces, lawyers, journalists and human rights defenders, representatives of political parties, and minority and indigenous communities.  

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk is scheduled to pay a three-day official visit to Bangladesh in the last week of October. "We are working on this," a senior official told UNB. The UN Human Rights chief is expected to meet Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and other stakeholders to have broad discussions on rights issues, including the establishment of an office in Dhaka, said the official. UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon staying put despite Israeli warnings to move Earlier, he received an official invitation from the Chief Adviser to conduct an impartial and independent fact-finding mission into human rights violations committed from July 1 to August 15. The office deployed a fact-finding team to Bangladesh, with a view to reporting on violations and abuses perpetrated during the protests, analysing root causes and making recommendations to advance justice and accountability and for longer-term reforms. Bangladesh is witnessing a number of visits from the United Nations for two reasons-new interim government in place and Bangladesh's 50 years of UN membership. Volker Türk made a phone call to Bangladesh interim government Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus in August. During his recent visit to New York, Chief Adviser Prof Yunus sought support from foreign friends for Bangladesh's new journey towards a happy and prosperous future, stressing that they do not want to miss the opportunity to build a new Bangladesh. On September 17, 1974, Bangladesh became a full member of the United Nations. As part of an ongoing engagement with the interim government, an advance team of the UN rights body visited Bangladesh from August 22-29 and met student leaders of the recent protests, as well as a wide range of advisers in the Interim Government, the Chief Justice, senior officers of the police and armed forces, lawyers, journalists and human rights defenders, representatives of political parties, and minority and indigenous communities.