Statement by H.E. Mr. Masud Bin Momen, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the UN at the General Debate of Third Committee on the Agenda Item 68(a), Implementation of Human Rights Instrument at Conference Room-1, UNHQ

Statement by H.E. Mr. Masud Bin Momen, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the UN at the General Debate of Third Committee on the Agenda Item 68(a), Implementation of Human Rights Instrument at Conference Room-1, UNHQ

Thank you Madam Chair for giving me the floor,
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentleman, Good morning/ afternoon.
Protecting human rights is one of the three pillars of the United Nations. Member States have mandated the Secretary-General and the UN System to help them achieving the standards set out in the UN Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Global human rights challenges for migrants, refugees, disabilities, rights of women and children, and the rights of various minorities, should be addressed through promotion of equality and countering discrimination.
Madam Chair,
Bangladesh is committed to upholding the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all people around the world as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Bangladesh has always been at the global forefront in demonstrating its consistent engagement with human rights mechanisms and institutions, and in living up to its national and international obligations to promote and protect human rights. In line with Constitutional obligations, Bangladesh signed/ratified/acceded to almost all the key international human rights instruments.
The Constitution of Bangladesh embodies the principles and provisions of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in different chapters entitled Fundamental Principles of State Policy and the Fundamental Rights. While the Constitutional and statutory laws provide for protection of fundamental freedoms and human rights, special laws are in place to ensure the rights of women, children, minorities and other vulnerable groups in Bangladesh.
Pursuant to the National Human Rights Commission Ordinance 2007, National Human Rights Commission came into effect since September 1, 2008. National Human Rights Commission works independently to promote and protect the Human Rights of all citizens of Bangladesh.
Bangladesh has successfully completed second cycle of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) on 29 April 2013 at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. A total of 97 countries took part in Bangladesh’s 2nd cycle UPR and made 196 recommendations. Out of these, Bangladesh readily accepted 164 recommendations. Bangladesh is now on the process to submit the 3rd cycle UPR in 2017.
Madam Chair,
In the recent time, there are many migrants on the move than ever before in human history. Many of them facing unacceptable levels of human rights abuses throughout the migration cycle, in countries of origin, transit and destination. Bangladesh urges, the United Nations to play its due role in protecting the human rights of all migrants as mentioned ‘ New York Declaration of Refugee and Migrants’. All countries should have the commitments to protect safety, dignity, human rights and fundamental freedoms of all migrants, regardless of their migratory status.
Bangladesh believes, as stated in the Declaration on the Right to Development, the human person is the central subject of development and should be the active participant and beneficiary of the right to development. Indeed, the adoption of 2030 agenda has offered us a unique opportunity to renew our resolve to implement the Declaration and make Right to Development a reality for all. I would like to reiterate that government of Bangladesh under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina remain committed to combating poverty, hunger, disease and illiteracy that constitute violation of human rights and dignity. Bangladesh envisages that UN should be at the forefront in building a world that is truly safe, secure and sustainable for our future generation.
Madam Chair,
At the 10th Anniversary of the landmark Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Bangladesh wants to affirm its commitment to ensure the human rights and fundamental freedom to all persons with disabilities. This year when we are celebrating 50th anniversary of adoption of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and 30th anniversary of the Declaration of Right to Development, we should reaffirm our commitment in supporting the just struggles for peace, justice, freedom, and human rights of all people in this world.
I thank you all.