The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has said that human rights violations during the 2024 mass uprising in Bangladesh could be tried at the International Criminal Court (ICC). Speaking in Geneva on Wednesday, he emphasized that accountability is essential for Bangladesh’s progress.
The UN Human Rights Commission released its report on the uprising on February 12. The report covers the events from July 1 to August 15, 2024. Türk presented the findings at a press conference and later discussed them with government officials, civil society representatives, and victims’ families.
Crimes Against Protesters and Possible Legal Actions
Türk stated that there is strong evidence of crimes against humanity committed against protesters and their supporters. He mentioned that these crimes include extrajudicial killings, arbitrary detentions, and gender-based violence. He added that some of these cases could be prosecuted under international law.
The Bangladesh government has the option to take the matter to the ICC. Alongside domestic judicial processes, Türk urged authorities to dismantle repressive laws and institutions. He stressed that legal and institutional reforms are necessary for justice and long-term stability.
Key Evidence and Witness Accounts
The Geneva discussion included testimonies from victims and human rights activists. Among them was Farhana Sharmin Emu, an architect who helped injured protesters. She described the violence used against demonstrators.
A forensic analysis of the August 5 shooting outside Jatrabari Police Station was also presented. The analysis, titled Jatrabari: An Evidence of a Massacre, provided detailed proof of excessive force used by security personnel.
The UN investigation team, led by Rory Mungoven, conducted a probe in September 2024 at the request of Bangladesh’s interim government. The team included a human rights investigator, a forensic physician, and a weapons expert.
Direct Involvement of Former Government Officials
Türk stated that the former prime minister, Sheikh Hasina, and senior security officials directly ordered the suppression of protests. The report accuses them of organizing and coordinating human rights violations to maintain political control.
The former ruling party’s security forces allegedly carried out hundreds of extrajudicial killings and mass arrests. The report also highlights cases of torture and abuse of children. Türk said these violations were systematic and aimed at silencing opposition voices.
UN’s Call for Justice and Support for Victims
The UN human rights chief urged the international community to support victims. He called for victim-centred reparation programs, compensation, and long-term medical care. He also recommended rehabilitation and livelihood support for survivors of state violence.
Türk suggested that Bangladesh should allow the UN Human Rights Commission to open an office in Dhaka. He said this would help monitor the country’s human rights situation and assist with legal reforms.
The discussion in Geneva marked an important step toward accountability. The international community will now wait to see whether Bangladesh’s interim government takes further action on the UN’s recommendations.
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