UN wants fair probe into forced disappearances, extrajudicial killings

GBNEWS24DESK//

The United Nations (UN) wants impartial investigations into forced disappearances, extrajudicial killings and torture under police custody, said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet on Wednesday.

She asserted that freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly of political activists, human rights defenders, opposition parties and journalists are important.

“There needs to be space for more dialogue among political parties and with a wide range of civil society actors to prevent grievances from building and erupting in social unrest,” Bachelet told reporters at a crowded press conference at a city hotel.

She said it is also important to ensure that law enforcement forces have the necessary training to manage protests without resorting to the excessive use of force.

Bachelet said the voices of women, religious minorities and indigenous peoples, and especially young people need to be heard.

She thanked the government of Bangladesh for inviting her to visit the country, the first by a High Commissioner for Human Rights.

“I hope my visit will build on the government’s engagement with the UN’s human rights mechanisms and help deepen cooperation with us, furthering the promotion and protection of human rights in Bangladesh,” Bachelet said.