A preliminary team from the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has arrived in Dhaka to discuss potential support for investigations into human rights violations amid recent violence and unrest in Bangladesh.
An official confirmed today (22 August) that the team will continue its mission in line with their planned objectives, emphasizing the UN High Commissioner’s commitment to aiding Bangladesh’s interim government and its citizens in a successful transition that strengthens human rights protections.
During their visit, the UN team is expected to meet with several government advisers and members of civil society to gather relevant information. This initiative was announced by UN human rights chief Volker Türk during a recent conversation with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus.
The Bangladesh government has expressed its willingness to cooperate with the UN team to ensure a fair and impartial investigation into the reported human rights abuses.
Earlier, UN Resident Coordinator in Dhaka, Gwyn Lewis, held discussions with Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain regarding the mission. Lewis mentioned that the team would include technical experts who will initiate the fact-finding process.
“The mandate, details, and the framework for collaboration between the team and the government are still under discussion,” Lewis informed reporters following her meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.