Universal Periodic Review on Bangladesh

The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) is a unique process which involves a periodic review of the human rights records of all 193 UN Member States.

Bangladesh was represented by Mr. Anisul Huq, Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, who presented his report on the progress made in recent years and answered the questions of the delegations.

Several countries acknowledged their efforts to welcome one million Rohinyas Muslims and keep the borders open to refugees and displaced people. Also for its fight against poverty and the promotion of social development (education, health, social security, food) in recent years. Another noteworthy aspect is the number of women present in authority roles (the best gender equality in South Asia).

At the same time, they issued recommendations focused on:

· Guarantee freedom of expression, especially on the internet, ensuring the right to the opposition, journalists and human rights defenders to be protected from murder.

· A moratorium on the death penalty and, finally, its final elimination.

· Strengthen protection measures for workers. That companies respond for the damage they cause to their health. Improve working conditions in the textile sector and informal commerce.

· Fight against human trafficking and trafficking, as a country of origin, destination and transit.

· Access to justice for refugee and stateless women and girls.

· Continue collaborating so that the Rohinyas return to their country with security.

· Guarantee living conditions and regulate the hiring of migrant workers.

· Measures to act against climate change and continue promoting sustainable development. Access to education, health, employment.

· Legal protection for ethnic minorities, indigenous people and fight against religious extremism.

· Access to education and public services for people with disabilities.

· Fight against discrimination and harassment against LGBTI people. Decriminalize consensual sexual relations between adults of the same sex.

· Ratification of international treaties to which Bangladesh is still not a party: the Optional Protocol of the Committee against Torture and the Convention on Enforced Disappearances.

The next step is for Bangladesh to review and decide which of those recommendations it is willing to accept.