Dhaka hopes for victory in UNHRC elections
You can surely negotiate the interests of your country, even if you are not an elected member of the council. But when you have voting power, you get more time and an active role on the issues.
Bangladesh is set to contest in the UN Human Rights Council elections on October 11, to embolden its voice on human rights on the global stage.
This year's elections are for the 2022-25 term; 17 countries of different regions are running for 14 seats in the 47-member council.
From Asia and the Pacific States, six countries -- Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Maldives, Korea and Vietnam -- are contesting for four seats.
Dhaka, which has been a member of the UN body four times in the past, is optimistic about winning the next elections, to be held at the UN General Assembly in New York. Officials said the country has always been vocal about human rights anywhere in the world.
"I believe we will win this year, too. We are well prepared," Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen told reporters at his office on Tuesday.
According to foreign ministry officials, Bangladesh has had a good campaign, covering the members in New York, and is always an active participant in the Human Rights Council.
Bangladesh also submitted its pledge of upholding human rights domestically, though this is not mandatory, they said.
"Given our seriousness, even as a non-member in the Human Rights Council, we are hoping for victory," said a Bangladesh embassy official in Geneva, where the Council holds its session.
The council members serve three-year terms and are not eligible for immediate re-election after serving two consecutive terms. Bangladesh last served on the council during the 2019-21 term.
According to foreign ministry officials, the Human Rights Council holds three sessions every year. More than 100 resolutions are adopted every year on various national, regional and global issues.
"You can surely negotiate the interests of your country, even if you are not an elected member of the council. But when you have voting power, you get more time and an active role on the issues," the official told this correspondent.
He said oftentimes, the developed countries emphasise political rights while developing countries urge socio-economic and cultural rights in the council.
"So, we try to ensure our rights on the global stage," the official added.
There is currently a US sanction against Rab and seven of its current and former officials due to allegations of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances. Bangladesh generally denies the allegations but says that it punishes law enforcers if allegations are proven. It is also engaging with the US and UN on the issue.
Asked if these aspects can affect voting in the elections, the official concerned said there is no scope for this under the UN norms. The voting is more of a diplomatic issue and depends on Bangladesh's performance and seriousness centring the council mandate.
Foreign Minister Momen said Bangladesh is always vocal about human rights anywhere in the world. Despite the country's limited resources, the country has sheltered more than a million Rohingyas and continues to help them.
The country also greatly contributes to world peace by sending a large number of peacekeepers for UN missions, he said.
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