UN worried with shrinking civic space, inequality
The UN is concerned over signs of shrinking civic space, growing inequality, and violence against women in Bangladesh.
"There are areas that the UN is concerned about. We are concerned about the increasing violence against women, we are concerned about growing inequality… we are concerned about the signs of shrinking civic space …," said UN Resident Coordinator Mia Seppo at the Talk of Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB), at the Foreign Service Academy yesterday.
She said growing inequality and shrinking of civic space is a global concern, which has been aggravated during the pandemic -- a reality that triggers the call for global and national actions to address these.
"I don't think for any country that aspires for democracy that that's healthy. So, we obviously encourage protecting civic space," the UN official said.
The review of the Digital Security Act (DSA) from the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) will improve the situation, Mia Seppo said. Bangladesh also supported the UPR recommendations meant to ensure that the law is international human rights standard compliant.
The UN also discussed it with the law ministry on implementing the recommendations and stands ready to support the review.
"It is important to recognise that there is fundamental freedom that is freedom of expression and opinion.
"The challenge is striking the balance between some control over digital space as well as respecting this right. Based on the UPR review, our view is that the DSA falls short of finding the balance at this current time. We hope indeed that the review will now proceed."
Mia said the UN also is calling on its member states, including Bangladesh, to take the opportunity to ratify this convention on enforced disappearances, while also encouraging the civil society on reaching out to the UN Special Procedure with these issues.
Bangladesh also reported to the UN Committee Against Torture and there is an opportunity to follow up some HR issues there, she said and expected the government to take anti-discrimination law to the parliament, another key recommendation from the UPR.
Asked if the UN would provide electoral assistance to Bangladesh, she said the UN does not provide electoral assistance unless it is asked to, but stands ready to do so, should such request be forthcoming.
She said repatriation of the Rohingyas [1.1 million Rohingyas live in Bangladesh] has become more complex with the military coup and a civil war-like situation in Myanmar.
The resident coordinator said the UN is at the final stages of starting operations for the Rohingyas in Bhasan Char. The UN is already in talks with Bangladeshi NGOs working in Bhasan Char in this regard.
She said the Bangladesh government has made huge investments in Bhasan Char to make it a livable place, but there was, rather, negative publicity.
As Bangladesh graduates from the LDC status, it will have opportunities but also face the challenges of inequality. The Covid-19 recovery, therefore, needs to be inclusive, Mia said.
DCAB President Pantho Rahaman and its General Secretary AKM Moinuddin also spoke.
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