EP adopts resolution on human rights in Bangladesh, focusing on Odhikar
Decision
The European Parliament adopted on 12 September 2023 a motion for a resolution on the human rights situation in Bangladesh, notably the case of Odhikar, registered as B9-0380/2023 and recorded under P9_TA(2023)0324.
What Changes
The text urges the Government of Bangladesh to immediately and unconditionally drop all charges against Odhikar representatives, restore a safe and enabling environment for human rights defenders and ensure access to approved foreign grants for civil society. It also calls for repeal of the Digital Security Act and adoption of a Cyber Security Act compliant with international standards, encourages cooperation with the UN on investigations of enforced disappearances, links concerns to the ongoing Enhanced Engagement under the Everything But Arms scheme and asks EU external services and embassies to monitor trials and reinforce support to defenders and union activists.
Who Is Affected
The resolution targets the Government of Bangladesh and directly concerns Odhikar, human rights defenders, civil society organisations, trade unionists and garment sector workers as well as EU external action services and Member State embassies.
Sources
Official Documents
- MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on Human rights situation in Bangladesh, notably the case of Odhikar European Parliament adopted a resolution urging Bangladesh to drop charges against Odhikar and uphold human rights, with potential implications for EBA preferences.
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