UK human rights envoy begins maiden BD tour

City Desk:

UK Human Rights Ambassador Eleanor Sanders, who arrived in Dhaka on Monday, expressed optimism to strengthen collaboration with Bangladesh on a range of issues including accountability and justice, freedom of religion or belief, media freedom, gender equality and labour rights.

During her three-day visit to Bangladesh, the human rights ambassador will discuss justice and accountability, human rights and fundamental freedoms with advisers and senior officials of government.  “We will also consolidate our multilateral partnership with Bangladesh – an important current member of the UN Human Rights Council,” she said.

The Human Rights ambassador said that her country strongly supports the interim government’s work to advance sustainable, long-term reforms which are grounded in respect for human rights, as well as growth.

She will also announce new UK funding for the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to strengthen accountability for human rights violations and abuses. 

British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke said that she is pleased to welcome UK Human Rights Ambassador Eleanor Sanders in Bangladesh. “This visit is another illustration of the UK’s deep friendship with Bangladesh and longstanding commitment to help create a more prosperous and democratic future for the people of Bangladesh,” said the high commissioner.

The three-day visit will include key meetings with advisers and senior officials of the interim government as well as civil society, human rights defenders and minority groups, according to the British High Commission in Dhaka. 

She will also visit Rohingya refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar to oversee the response and protection activities funded by the UK government. 

The OHCHR mission will receive new UK funding that will help strengthen accountability for human rights violations and abuses.