Committed to ensuring human rights: Momen
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen yesterday said Bangladesh will continue to work towards promoting universal human rights.
He also said Dhaka remains “robustly engaged” with various UN human rights mechanism, including the Universal Periodic Review (UPR).
“As a responsible member of the international community, Bangladesh also maintains a strong relationship of cooperation and collaboration with its international partners, including the United Nations and its human rights mechanism,” he said.
Momen said Bangladesh is committed to preventing any attempt to violate human rights besides ensuring universal human rights.
The foreign minister made the remarks at the inaugural session of a workshop on “Implementation of the 3rd Universal Periodic Review of Bangladesh” at a city hotel.
Law Minister Anisul Haque, National Human Rights Commission Chairperson Nasima Begum, Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen, European Union Ambassador to Bangladesh Rensje Teerink and UN Resident Coordinator in Dhaka Mia Seppo were also present at the event.
During the third cycle, the foreign minister said Bangladesh accepted 178 recommendations which it will have to implement in next four years. “...the government is working to implement those.”
Momen said Bangladesh is a signatory to eight out of nine core international human rights treaties and a serving member of the Human Rights Council for the term 2019-21.
He said Bangladesh is hosting over 1.1 million Rohingyas. Bangladesh also leads the humanitarian response for them, he added. “These efforts of Bangladesh contribute to the maintenance of regional peace and security as well as upholding universal human rights.”
Dr Momen said International Court of Justice has recently given a ruling in the case concerning Rohingyas, filed by The Gambia against Myanmar. It is a victory for humanity, and a victory for Gambia, the OIC, and of course, millions of Rohingyas who after fleeing atrocities in Myanmar were given sheltered by Bangladesh, under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
In accordance with the provision of NHRC Act 2009, a statutory independent NHRC has been established in the country, he said. The minister said Bangladesh is committed to ensuring the independence and effectiveness of the human rights commission.
“Guided by the ideology of the Father of the Nation and constitutional pledge, Bangladesh is committed to uplifting human rights of every citizen in providing a better life, food, shelter, security, employment, education, free mobility, and rights to enjoy their inalienable rights,” he said.
Momen said the government has prioritised human rights, especially by creating opportunities for all, irrespective of race, ethnicity, color, religion, caste or/and background.
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