UN needs mandate for independent probe in Bangladesh

‘We've condemned the use of live fire ammunition that we've seen in Bangladesh’

The United Nations (UN) will need a mandate from a legislative body of the organization for independent investigations in any country, including Bangladesh.

“In terms of independent investigations, as you know, that would require, as in any of these cases, mandate from a legislative body of this organization,” Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN secretary-general, said at the daily press briefing in New York on Wednesday, replying to a question.

The legislative body of the UN includes the UN General Assembly and the UN Security Council.

The question came as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina announced that she is ready to take international assistance for the investigation of the recent violent protests in Bangladesh that killed over 150 people.

“We are, of course, always ready to assist governments anywhere who may request help with different issues, and we see how we can best do that,” the spokesperson said.

He, however, said: “We've condemned the use of live fire ammunition that we've seen in Bangladesh.

“Governments, whether in Bangladesh or anywhere else, need to be protecting the rights of people to protest peacefully and need to be protecting the right of journalists to do their job in a free and unfettered manner.”

The spokesperson also reminded all about the ongoing humanitarian situation in Bangladesh, despite the political condition and violence.

“I can tell you that despite the political situation and the violence we have seen, it is important to remind everyone that there are humanitarian crises ongoing in Bangladesh and we and our partners continue to provide support the people impacted by a number of emergencies — including Cyclone Remal — which has impacted 13 million people across Bangladesh this year,” he said.

“Our partners continue their work despite operational challenges — which includes obviously internet outages, bank closures and curfews,” Dujarric added.

“Last month, we and our partners launched the $80 million Humanitarian Response Plan to support 1.2 million people. The appeal is currently only 18% funded. On 5 June, $7.5 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund was made available to support the response to the cyclone, while an additional $6.2 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund was released on July 4, to allow for cash payments to communities in the Jamuna Basin,” he said.

“And of course, there is also a massive humanitarian operation on Cox’s Bazaar for refugees from Myanmar and to support the host communities.”