UN urges stronger security oversight

The United Nations on Monday called for a stronger and independent national institution in Bangladesh to oversee the country’s security forces, as it urged governments to move away from militarised approaches to security and law enforcement.

“In Bangladesh, we have been calling for a strengthened and independent national institution that has oversight of security forces,” UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said while giving a global update to the 63rd session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Türk said the UN would continue working with governments around the world, including in Central Asia, to promote inclusive social and economic policies that benefit everyone.

The UN would also step up efforts to end the use of the death penalty, which Türk said disproportionately targets minorities, people living in poverty and dissenting voices.

“We will continue to call out the sharp rise in executions in a small number of States,” he said.

Türk said the UN would build on its work with governments to address militarised approaches to security and law enforcement, which he described as “deeply counterproductive”.

“I know many of you are uncomfortable with what is done in the name of protecting national security.

These outdated practices can be an albatross around the neck of government,” he said.

He said robust debate, critical thinking and differences of opinion were part of the long-standing struggle for human rights, adding that progress required honest discussion, genuine engagement and cooperation.

“We will always talk to everyone. And we will never give up on anyone. Human rights are carriers of hope.

They are a compass in turbulent times, and they offer concrete solutions to our challenges,” Türk said.