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Emerge as a HR bastion Dhaka to UN council


Published : 26 Feb 2021 09:54 PM | Updated : 27 Feb 2021 01:35 AM

Foreign Minister Dr. A.K. Abdul Momen has called upon the UN Human Rights Council to emerge as a bastion of defending human rights following the principles of universality, impartiality and non-selectivity.

He stated this in a video statement delivered at the high-level segment of the 46th session of the UN Human Rights Council.

Quoting the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh MujiburRahman, the Foreign Minister mentioned that his vision continues to inspire Bangladesh to promote and protect the human rights. 

The country, under the bold leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, remains fully committed to the rule of law, justice, and gender equality, freedom of expression and the rights of all including minorities, women, children and the disabled, he continued.

The Foreign Minister elaborated how, with a whole of society approach, Bangladesh effectively handled the COVID 19 pandemic-induced impacts respecting rights of the people. 

Dr. Momen stated that Bangladesh continues to provide temporary shelter to the persecuted Rohingyas  due to its commitment to Human Rights.

 “Rohingyas are Myanmar nationals and they must return to Myanmar,” he reiterated. In this regard, he emphasized that the Human Rights Council and the international community need to engage constructively with Myanmar for the early commencement of the repatriation of Rohingyas to their homeland. 

He underscored the need to ensure implementation of the recommendations of the Advisory Commission on the Rakhine State, ensure accountability and justice and more importantly, creation of a conducive atmosphere  in Myanmar.

Highlighting the adverse impact of climate change on human rights, the Foreign Minister emphasized ensuring climate justice for the victims of climate change. At the same time, he restated Bangladesh’s call to create a new Special Rapporteur on climate change.  

The session commenced in Geneva on February 22 will end on March 23.