Dhaka for safe, dignified life of Rohingyas in Myanmar

Bangladesh Permanent representative to the United Nations (UN) Ambassador Rabab Fatima has called upon the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to continue its efforts to ensure ‘safe, voluntary and dignified life’ for the Rohingyas, free from discrimination and persecution in their homeland in Myanmar.

Speaking at the general debate on the report of the Human Rights Council at the UN’s General Assembly on Friday, she appreciated the efforts of Council for keeping the Rohingya issues high on its agenda and for adopting a consensus resolution in its 47th session, a press release said here today.

The Bangladesh envoy also acknowledged the role and work of the Special Rapporteur and the Independent Investigative Mechanism on Myanmar.

Fatima said Bangladesh is deeply committed to the principles of human rights and fundamental freedoms which is reflected in its engagements with the UN’s human rights mechanisms.

“As a member of the Human Rights Council, Bangladesh remains actively engaged and committed to the mandate and work of the Council,” she added.

Welcoming the adoption of the resolution by the Council to ensure equitable, affordable, timely and universal access to COVID-19 vaccines, Ambassador Fatima called upon the Council to address the socioeconomic impacts of Covid including rising inequalities.

She raised concern as the countries from the developing south are not gaining equitable and timely access to COVID-19 vaccines. In this regard, she also stressed on ending all discrimination against migrants regardless of their status and ensure their access to vaccines.

Ambassador Fatima welcomed adoption of the resolution on climate change and human rights. She urged the Council to pay enhanced attention to the climate induced displacement which is a major concern for climate vulnerable countries, including Bangladesh.

She expressed concerns at the disproportionate impacts of COVID on women and girls.

“We are worried that the closure of schools in many developing countries has increased school dropouts, and placed girls at a higher risk to early marriage, violence and abuse,” she added.

She called for renewed attention of the Council for preserving the progress made in the field of gender equality and women empowerment by fighting the impacts of the pandemic.

The ambassador also urged the Council to promote mutual trust and confidence between its mechanisms and the member states and advance human rights compliance in a collaborative manner.

The President of the Human Rights Council Ambassador Nazhat Shameem Khan presented the report of the Council to the General Assembly.