Parliament resolution on Bangladesh human rights and Odhikar
Decision
The European Parliament adopted a resolution on the human rights situation in Bangladesh, notably the case of Odhikar, recorded as motion B9‑0382/2023 and listed under the adopted text P9_TA(2023)0324. The motion was tabled on 12.9.2023 and the document was last updated on 18 September 2023.
What Changes
The text deplores a deterioration in human rights in Bangladesh, citing enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings and systematic harassment of civil society, and details allegations against Odhikar including deregistration, media defamation, reported surveillance, past detention of its leaders and ongoing prosecutions. It calls on Bangladeshi authorities to withdraw charges, reinstate Odhikar, respect due process and permit international observers, urges cooperation with UN bodies, requests intensified EU support for human-rights defenders by the EEAS and the EU Delegation in Dhaka, and asks the Commission to step up scrutiny of GSP compliance under the Everything But Arms arrangement.
Who Is Affected
The resolution directly concerns Bangladesh and the NGO Odhikar, and addresses Bangladeshi civil society as well as EU institutions including the Commission, Council, EEAS and the EU Delegation in Dhaka.
Sources
Official Documents
- MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the human rights situation in Bangladesh, notably the case of Odhikar Parliament adopts a resolution deploring human rights abuses in Bangladesh, calls to drop charges against Odhikar, urges due process and cooperation, and asks intensified scrutiny of GSP/EBA compliance.
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