Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has reiterated the government’s strong commitment to hold a free and fair election. He also underscored Bangladesh’s continued cooperation with the UN and the international community on human rights issues, including the recent visits of a number of UN Special Procedure mandate holders to Bangladesh. UN Resident Coordinator (UNRC) in Bangladesh Gwyn Lewis met Foreign Minister Momen at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday and discussed the ongoing democratic process in Bangladesh including the next National Election. They also discussed major upcoming events in the UN, including the SDG Summit. Also read: No need for UN cooperation in election: Foreign Minister The UNRC informed that the UN is looking forward to extending further support to Bangladesh in realizing the SDGs, especially in some priority areas to be determined by Bangladesh. During the meeting, discussion was held, among others, on the Rohingya situation. The Foreign Minister called upon the UN, specially the UNHCR, to assist Bangladesh in the ongoing efforts for the repatriation of forcibly displaced Rohingyas. Discussion was also held on possible ways and means to raise funds for humanitarian assistance for Rohingyas as per the Joint Response Plan 2023. Momen also asked for UN’s further engagement in the humanitarian operations at Bhashan Char. The UNRC informed about the UN Secretary General’s new initiative ensuring early warning for natural disasters, and expressed willingness to work with thd Bangladesh Government in this regard. Gwyn Lewis also discussed the recently concluded LDC5 Summit in Doha, and expressed hope that the cooperation between Bangladesh and the UN on LDC issues would continue.

UN Resident Coordinator (UNRC) in Bangladesh Gwyn Lewis has made it clear that it is not for her or the UN to take decisions or engage in the election process of Bangladesh and laid emphasis on peaceful exercise of political activities. She said people have been injured and killed over the past months which is “obviously a concern” and called for “calm” and to find avenues for discussion. “It’s not for me or the UN to really decide and engage in election,” Lewis said, adding that there is no mandate for the UN to engage in election here unless they get a specific request from the Security Council or General Assembly or the country. Lewis made the remarks while responding to a question at “DCAB Talk” held at Jatiya Press Club. DCAB President Rezaul Karim Lotus and its General Secretary AKM Moinuddin also spoke. Read: Dhaka seeks proactive role from Thailand, ASEAN to repatriate Rohingya The UNRC said she is talking with the ministry of home affairs and also talking with various security forces to try and protect lives and find ways on how things can be done in a safe way. Lewis said despite other major developing crises in the world, the United Nations continues to focus on the Rohingya issue, and has been trying to find a political solution. “It’s incredibly challenging. The focus is there,” she said, adding that they are working on the ground for the safe and dignified return of the displaced Rohingyas – currently in Bangladesh – to Myanmar.

UN Resident Coordinator Gwyn Lewis has said Bangladesh has been a strong advocate for peace nationally and internationally, and the United Nations in Bangladesh is happy to continue to accompany the country in this regard. In a message marking the International Day of Peace that falls on September 21, the UNRC said the UN in Bangladesh would like to echo the universal and still timely message of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in his speech in 1974 at the UN General Assembly “Peace is an imperative for the survival of humanity. It represents the deepest aspirations of men and women throughout the world”.  Lewis said promoting peace and preventing violence, both at the international and national level, are at the core of the United Nations’ mandate.  Every year for the past 41 years, she said, the UN has marked the International Day of Peace to uphold the ideal of peace and inspire a day of action for non-violence.  Read: Gwyn Lewis of Ireland appointed UNRC in Bangladesh As violence makes headlines daily and socio-economic uncertainty undermines cohesion globally, Peace Day 2022 provides an opportunity for all peoples and governments around the world to commit to peace above differences, divides, and borders.  "It invites us to pause and think about what peace means and how it can be built and sustained," Lewis said. This year’s theme ‘End Racism. Build Peace’ reminds us all that peace means more than silencing the guns.  Building peace entails celebrating differences and leaving no one behind.  It means promoting societies where everyone, regardless of origin, sex, age, religion, opinion, political affiliation, sexual orientation, is treated in an equal manner and given the opportunity to flourish.  "Peace also requires a social contract and a shared vision between governments and their people and within societies," Lewis said. Sustainable Development Goal 16 ‘Promote just, peace and inclusive societies for sustainable development’ is the glue of Agenda 2030.   "Peace is a prerequisite for sustainable development; and development can help address causes and drivers of conflict and violence in the long run. On the opposite, violence, in all its forms, sets progress towards development back," she said. "Peace should not be taken for granted. Sustaining peace and violence prevention requires intentional efforts and investments. It is the wise thing to do," she added. Lewis said sustaining peace is everyone’s business and everyone has a contribution to make.    "What is your contribution to peace in your family, community, country and in the world?"

UN Resident Coordinator (UNRC) in Bangladesh Gwyn Lewis has highlighted the need to have a holistic approach to the HIV response, focusing on providing choices and socio-economic opportunities to those affected regardless of their sexual identities or professions. A joint mission of the United Nations (UN) headed by Gwyn Lewis visited project sites in Naraynganj on Tuesday, said the UN office in Dhaka. The mission focused on learning from projects that work to prevent the spread of HIV amongst sex workers, people who inject drugs, transgender people and other key population groups who may be affected by HIV. The joint mission consisted of the country directors for UNAIDS Dr Saima Khan and UN Women Gitanjali Singh, along with other representatives from UNFPA, WHO, UNICEF, and UNODC. Representatives from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s AIDS/STD Programme (ASP) and implementing partners were also present during this visit. Read: Gwyn Lewis of Ireland appointed UNRC in Bangladesh The implementing partners include Save the Children, icddr,b, Bandhu Social Welfare Society, Care Bangladesh and the Networks and CBOs of sex workers, people who inject drugs, transgender, etc. The mission spoke with several members of key targeted populations at four DICs. DICs are drop-in centres where socially marginalized groups can access health and support services to prevent HIV and from where individuals are referred to other services that they may need regarding health, social welfare, etc. Some of these centres implement opioid substitution therapy (OST), which involves supporting those suffering from opioid use through various means. Beyond these supports, the centres sometimes also facilitate socio-economic integration to support affected populations in earning a livelihood. Also read: A child infected with HIV every 100 seconds: UN report Speaking on the four DIC’s visited Gwyn Lewis remarked how these centres were “Demonstrating what partnerships can do to change lives for the better.” These interventions are part of the whole prevention, treatment, care and support services being provided under the larger response to HIV. HIV services also embrace human rights and gender-based approaches through local and national advocacy to increase access to services addressing gender-based violence and social welfare. Key populations for HIV interventions often have needs that are unique, and their meaningful participation is critical to a successful HIV response.

UN resident coordinator Gwyn Lewis on Thursday met Speaker of Bangladesh Parliament Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury at the latter’s office here. During the meeting, they discussed different issues particularly Bangladesh’s successful steps to fight Covid-19 pandemic, post-Covid stable economic situation of Bangladesh, women empowerment, socioeconomic development and gender budget. The Speaker said Bangladesh Parliament in coordination with UNDP and UNFPA has been working for the overall development of women and children up to grassroots level. The members of parliament (MPs) are also playing their roles in their respective constituencies in various ways, she said. Dr Chaudhury said the government introduced the gender budget in the 2009-10 fiscal year, which has continued also in the 2022-23 fiscal year. She said the steps taken by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for the empowerment of women, economic and social development of women are role models in the world. Read: Gwyn Lewis of Ireland appointed UNRC in Bangladesh The progress of women is now visible in the country thanks to many steps taken by the government to reduce the school dropout and maternal mortality, motivate girls for education through payment of stipend money directly through mobile phones, increase skills of women through training in remote areas, show zero tolerance towards violence against women and empower women as public representatives in local government bodies, said the Speaker. Gwyn Lewis lauded Bangladesh for achieving its unprecedented development. She also praised the government for its role in facing the recent flood properly. United Nations Population Fund’s (UNFPA) country representative in Bangladesh Kristine Blokhus and high officials of Parliament secretariat were present, said a press release.

UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh Mia Seppo has said the recent attacks on Hindus, "fueled by hate speech" on social media, are against the values of the Constitution and need to be stopped. "We call upon the Government to ensure protection of minorities and an impartial probe," she said on Monday. READ: Protesting recent communal attacks, Hindus issue 24 hrs ultimatum before withdrawing Shahbagh blockade

CCNF, a network of more than 50 local and national NGOs working in Cox’s Bazar, urged the UN Resident Coordinator (UNRC) to revise the allocation application’s conditions of $4 million CERF/emergency coronavirus fund so that local NGOs can participate in humanitarian response for the Rohingya population.

UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh Mia Seppo has said the approach regarding reopening economic activities in any country will have to be highly localised taking lessons learned elsewhere in the world to minimise the risk of further spreading of coronavirus and saving lives being lost.