Visit this week not an investigation, but an exploration: UN team

Chief of the Asia-Pacific Region with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights Rory Mungoven said today that he is visiting with a small team this week to hold some preliminary discussions and to support the interim government at this historic time. 

“My visit this week is not an investigation, it’s really an exploratory visit to discuss with the interim government, with the advisors, with some of the ministries, with the civil society, with the broad section of Bangladesh societies to hear your priorities, your need going forward, and explore some areas where the office of the high commissioner could assist including the area of fact finding investigation,” he said after a meeting with Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen at his office this morning.

“This is something we will have to discuss the modalities, the way we could work, how we could support the national process going forward,” he said.

“So, it’s really too early to conclude the help that will be done. I think our mission will hope very much in terms of exploring the way we could support Bangladesh at this time,” he added.

Referring to the high commissioner of human rights Volker Türk, he said, “Turk is really inspired by the courage, commitment to democracy and human rights of the Bangladesh people, especially students and particularly youth. And he sees that it’s an historic opportunity for the country in restoring democracy, renewing institutions, and advancing human rights.”

“And he [Turk] wants the office to support the interim government, civil society, and the people of Bangladesh in any way that we can,” he added.

He further said, “The high commissioner, I know the international community really supports the people of Bangaldesh in achieving human rights, and the rule of democracy to this very very historic time.”

A preliminary UN OHCHR team is in Dhaka to discuss ways to support the procedures for investigating human rights violations in the context of recent violence and unrest.

They will continue their mission in line with the activities they intend to achieve, said an official today (22 August).

The team is expected to meet with several government advisers and civil society members during their visit to gather information.

The move was announced by UN human rights chief Volker Türk during a recent call with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus.