The Human Rights Council-appointed consultants’ name follows on from the election victory of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina earlier this month, who secured a controversial fourth time period with the principle opposition celebration deciding to boycott the ballot.
Ms. Hasina and her Awami League celebration gained 223 of the 300 parliamentary seats being contested amid violent protests that left scores useless, together with some opposition celebration members.
Round 25,000 opposition leaders and supporters have been arrested, whereas some have been tortured and denied therapy, mentioned the rights consultants. Journalists and different media staff have been additionally attacked.
Some voters have been reportedly pressured to forged their ballots by ruling celebration members and threatened with violence and lack of their social safety advantages in the event that they failed to take action.
There have been no unbiased investigations into the allegations, the consultants famous.
Alarming scenario
“We’re alarmed at experiences that widespread assaults, harassment and intimidation of civil society, human rights defenders, journalists, and political activists, which marred the current elections,” the unbiased consultants said.
They’ve written to the Authorities, urging officers to conduct full, immediate and unbiased investigations into the quite a few allegations of rights abuses and violations.
“We urge the Authorities to prioritize human rights reforms in its new work programme and to create an enabling setting for the free and protected train of basic freedoms and political participation, to revive public belief within the democratic course of,” they mentioned.
This could additionally reassure overseas buyers within the Bangladesh financial system and ship a transparent message to the world that it’s dedicated to upholding its worldwide authorized obligations, the consultants added.
Motion factors
The consultants referred to as on the authorities to Instantly and unconditionally launch all civil society and political activists detained with out cost, guarantee truthful trials, and produce about “substantial reforms” to ensure the integrity and independence of the judicial system.
In addition they underscored the necessity to guarantee freedom of expression and of affiliation, in addition to respect for a pluralistic, various and unbiased media.
Unbiased consultants
The consultants voicing their concern included Particular Rapporteurs on the liberty of peaceable meeting, on the independence of judges and legal professionals, on human rights defenders, and on the liberty of opinion and expression.
The Chair and members of the Working Group on arbitrary detention additionally joined the decision for reform.
Particular Rapporteurs, Working Group members, and different unbiased consultants are appointed by the UN Human Rights Council and kind a part of its Special Procedures.
They’re mandated to watch and report on particular thematic points or nation conditions and work on a voluntary foundation. They serve of their particular person capability; aren’t UN employees and don’t obtain a wage.
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