European Parliament resolution on human rights in Bangladesh and the Odhikar case
Decision
The European Parliament adopted a resolution on the human rights situation in Bangladesh, notably the case of Odhikar, under procedure 2023/2833(RSP) with the text reference P9_TA(2023)0324 and last updated on 13 September 2023.
What Changes
The resolution urges the Government of Bangladesh to immediately drop all charges against Odhikar representatives, reinstate its registration and ensure civil society can access approved foreign grants, and it encourages cooperation with the UN to establish a specialised mechanism to investigate enforced disappearances while permitting international observers at court hearings. It also calls for repeal of the Digital Security Act, compliance with core ILO standards and implementation of a labour roadmap, raises concern about the Everything but Arms enhanced engagement and possible consequences for EBA preferences, calls for conditions for free and fair 2024 elections, asks EU external action bodies to raise concerns and support local human rights defenders and instructs the Parliament President to forward the resolution to EU institutions and to the Government and Parliament of Bangladesh.
Who Is Affected
The resolution directly concerns the Government of Bangladesh, Odhikar, NGOs, human rights defenders, trade unions, workers, journalists and EU external action bodies including the EEAS and Member States' embassies.
Sources
Official Documents
- JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the human rights situation in Bangladesh, notably the case of Odhikar Adopted EP resolution calls on Bangladesh to drop charges against Odhikar and restore NGO status, while urging compliance with ILO standards and continuation of EBA engagement.
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