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Human rights violation in Bangladesh must stop  

Published : Wednesday, 11 December, 2024 at 12:00 AM  Count : 325
Emran Emon
December 10, is the World Human Rights Day. On this day in 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly. Then in 1950, the United Nations declared this day as World Human Rights Day. This day is celebrated on December 10 every year in different countries of the world. Bangladesh also celebrates World Human Rights Day on 10 December.

Human Rights, is nothing new. The United Nations has only given a statutory form to this concept, which made it more popular globally, especially in the light of this United Nations charter, states have started giving importance to the issue of human rights for their own countries. Currently, many countries in the world have highlighted human rights issues in their constitutions.

Human rights are the birthright of every human being. People will enjoy and exercise these rights-that is natural. Human rights apply everywhere and equally to everyone. These rights are both natural and legal rights. One of the responsibilities of local, national, regional and international laws is to maintain these rights. But what are we seeing? Innocent people are being exploited by the powerful. Despite constant human rights violations, nothing effective is being done to protect their rights and justice.

Although there are many UN Charters on various subjects, there is no other global document as popular and important as Human Rights. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights has gained more popularity than the UN Charter. This document serves as a reference in determining and establishing human rights standards in many countries.

This Charter of Human Rights is now 76 years old. In the long 76 years, there has been a radical change in the concept and indicators of human rights in the world. The Charter of Human Rights and the United Nations were founded on the ruins of World War-II. The world has not faced a major war since the founding of the United Nations. It can be said that this is the greatest achievement of the United Nations. However, the United Nations Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights have worked behind the establishment of global peace and human rights.

Through the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the world reaffirmed its belief in human rights, the value and dignity of the human body and the equal rights of men and women. It is a global commitment. This commitment forms the basis of human rights and fundamental freedoms.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights has 30 articles. The commitments of the people of the world to the realization of human rights are specifically inserted there. The Declaration can also be called the Fundamental Principles of Human Rights. Other UN human rights instruments also ratify the Charter. Various countries also proceeded to establish human rights by ratifying this charter. The constitution of Bangladesh also has the shadow of this declaration. Even the Declaration of Independence of the country reflected the ideals of the Declaration of Human Rights.

Apart from the constitution, there are various laws in this country to implement human rights. Human rights is a broad concept. Therefore, it cannot be limited or enforced by any law. Separately, a National Human Rights Commission Ordinance was promulgated in 2007 to monitor the implementation of human rights only. In light of this, the National Human Rights Commission Act was enacted in 2009.

The question generally arises-what is the achievement of the commission in 15 years? The question of how much development of human rights in the country also generally arises. However, the answer to all questions lies in the extent to which the ideological development of human rights has taken place in the country. Ethical or ideological position is developed through awareness of human rights. It is expected that the development of human rights in the society and the state will be accelerated if we highlight the spirit of human rights in our cultural environment.

Human Rights Commission of Bangladesh has many limitations. Besides, there are manpower shortages and legal weaknesses. However, it continues to play an active role in protecting human rights. Establishing their accountability for violations is the biggest challenge. However, due to lack of manpower, it is not possible for the Human Rights Commission to work on human rights at all levels of the country.

Besides, it is not easy for common citizens to get justice in the existing judicial system of Bangladesh. Seeking redress through the courts is difficult, time-consuming and expensive. But still there is no way without court. But access to informal justice should be increased. This is possible by leveraging local administration. Once upon a time many issues were settled in the village arbitration system. Now that path is almost closed. Many problems of people can be solved locally through proper training and awareness. For a country with a huge population, formal courts only add to the backlog of cases. Therefore, justice is delayed.

National Human Rights Commission is a constitutional institution of the country. The commission may seek clarification from government authorities in case of any allegations of human rights violations. The commission currently has 35-40 officers-employees. Implementation of human rights with this manpower is far from possible, coordination is also not possible. But still they must have bona fides. The High Court has also raised questions about the bona fides of the commission.

In 2013, Khadija, a domestic worker, was subjected to inhumane torture by the householder and sought redressal from the commission. But not being satisfied with the commission's proceedings, CCB Foundation filed a writ against the commission in 2018 on behalf of the victim. In 2019, the High Court commented in the judgment of the said writ- "The Commission has shown its negligence. The Human Rights Commission is 'sleeping awake' to protect human rights". The High Court then further said, "If the government does not listen to the recommendations of the Commission, then the Commission should approach the High Court." But the Commission's activities do not seem to have gained momentum. Lack of bona fides cannot be excused by capacity.

Therefore, the Human Rights Commission should work with bonafides and courage by avoiding political bias. The theme of this year's World Human Rights Day is "Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now". It is expected that our Human Rights Commission will take effective legal action against human rights violators. Above all, people should be aware of their rights as well as human rights.

The writer is a researcher, journalist and columnist



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