The Crime Desk: The United Nations High Commission for Human Rights has full offices in 19 countries in the world. But Bangladesh is not on this list. A human rights adviser represents the Office of the United Nations High Commission on Human Rights through the Office of the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh.
However, discussions are going on to open an office of the United Nations High Commission for Human Rights in Bangladesh. It is expected that there will be a detailed discussion on this issue during the upcoming visit of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk. However, former diplomats say it is a political decision, and the decision to open the office of the UN High Commission for Human Rights should be taken by the political government. A former diplomat said, “This is not only a political decision, but it is also a strategic decision for the future of the country and society.” Another former diplomat said, “There needs to be a major dialogue in society about opening the office of the United Nations High Commission for Human Rights.”
According to him, some people try to promote that all human rights problems in Bangladesh will be solved if the office of the United Nations High Commission for Human Rights is opened. This is not the case. If the office is opened, what kind of changes will be brought in society and what all the people will have to observe? Everyone needs to be informed in advance, and whether they are willing to do those things or not, it is also necessary to take into consideration.
In this regard, another former diplomat said, “No country allows the opening of the office of the United Nations High Commission for Human Rights unless it is in great trouble.” When asked why permission was not given, he said, “Allowing the office to open is a strategic decision.” Through this, massive changes should be brought about in society. It has to be taken into consideration whether the people want it or not.
The United Nations High Commission on Human Rights wants to expand some issues that are not acceptable in the socio-economic context of Bangladesh. Among them, the legality of homosexuality or universal education (including sex education) or equal rights of men and women in all fields, etc.
In this regard, another former diplomat said, “The United Nations High Commission on Human Rights works in various fields in the multilateral system to promote various sensitive issues.” If an office is opened in Bangladesh, the government should give importance to their opinion.
He said, “According to the prevailing law of Bangladesh, there is a rule for the distribution of inheritance property between men and women. According to the United Nations High Commission on Human Rights, property should be distributed equally between men and women. It needs to be taken into account what its impact can be on society.
