Amnesty notes that “the unlawful force used against protesters demonstrates a callous disregard for the right to life”
Jul 19. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, has urged the Bangladeshi authorities on Friday to carry out “impartial” and “thorough” investigations into the “unacceptable” attacks against students in the country, where violence has left dozens dead and hundreds injured.
“I urge all parties to exercise restraint and call on security forces to ensure that any use of force strictly complies with the requirements of international law,” Turk said in a statement, adding that it is essential that those responsible for the attacks on students “be held accountable.”
The High Commissioner has also expressed concern about the deployment of paramilitary police units, such as the Border Guard Bangladesh and Rapid Action Battalion, which have “a long history of violations”.
“Internet shutdowns are also a cause for concern as they disproportionately restrict the enjoyment of the right to freedom of expression, including the freedom to seek, receive and impart information, especially in the midst of a crisis,” it said, urging authorities to restore access.
The government has also asked the Bangladeshi government to take “all necessary measures to ensure the protection and safety of students participating in peaceful protests,” while guaranteeing “their right to freedom of assembly and expression” without fear of “attacks on their lives and physical integrity.”
Finally, he noted that it is essential for Bangladesh’s political leaders to work with students “to find solutions to current challenges.” “Dialogue is the best and only way forward,” Turk concluded.
DISPROPORTIONATE USE OF FORCE
Amnesty International’s (AI) Deputy Regional Director for South Asia, Babu Ram Pant, said in a statement that “the growing death toll” during the protests makes clear “the absolute intolerance shown by the Bangladeshi authorities to protest and dissent.”
“The unlawful force used against protesters demonstrates a callous disregard for the right to life and a despicable failure by law enforcement officials to comply with their obligations under national and international human rights standards,” he added.
In this regard, he urged the security forces to put an end to “the unlawful use of force against protesters.” “The authorities must immediately carry out a prompt, independent and impartial investigation into the deaths and hold all those responsible accountable,” he said.
Like Turk, the deputy regional director for South Asia stressed that the nationwide internet shutdowns, as well as “a blanket ban on protests,” further restrict “the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.”
“It is reckless to prevent access to information during what has been a week of escalating violence and repression of student protests across the country. The widespread closures affect people’s safety, mobility and livelihoods, while creating instability and panic,” he concluded.
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