Rabab Fatima: Protection of human rights of utmost importance to Bangladesh

Ambassador Rabab Fatima, Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the UN, has reiterated Bangladesh’s unflinching commitment in promoting and protecting human rights.

She was addressing the general debate of the third committee of the 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly on Monday.

Bangladesh has been promoting and protecting all human rights of its population in a people-centric and ‘whole of society’ approach, she said.

She also shared Bangladesh’s significant progress in social development, human rights including that of women and girls, strengthening institutions and the rule of law, and in addressing global challenges such as terrorism and violent extremism, cybercrimes, drugs, and related crimes.

Ambassador Fatima highlighted the prompt and effective measures taken by the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to address the pandemic induced health risks and its imminent impact on the ongoing social economic activities.

The various reports submitted to the Committee by the Secretary General recognized the achievements of Bangladesh in the social sector as well as addressing the human rights issues of the most vulnerable, she added.

Ambassador Fatima also raised the issue of the Rohingya crisis, said a media release on Tuesday.

Reflecting on the honourable prime minister’s call, she called for the committee’s support for a resolution to the crisis.

Expressing concern about the longer-term impact of the pandemic, Ambassador Fatima stressed on the coming out of ‘business as usual’ approach and working together to support efforts to arrest a reversal of the development gains made in achieving the SDGs.

The third committee meeting this year is taking place on a much limited scale at the United Nations Headquarters due to the Covid-19 pandemic.