Statement under Agenda Item 84: Consideration of effective measures to enhance the protection, security and safety of diplomatic and consular missions and representatives Delivered by: Mr. Faiyaz Murshid Kazi, Minister (Political)
Delivered on: Thursday, 18 October 2018 at Trusteeship Council Chamber
Mr. Chairman,
Bangladesh believes that ensuring necessary protection, security and safety of diplomatic and consular missions as well as representatives is absolutely crucial for proper conduct of international relations at the inter-governmental level. As a State Party to the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Affairs 1961 and the Vienna Convention on Consular Affairs 1963, Bangladesh remains committed to ensuring due compliance with the provisions of those instruments.
We are alarmed by the new and recurring acts of violence against diplomatic and consular representatives, as well as against representatives of international intergovernmental organizations. In our national context we take such report with the utmost serious seriousness and ensure that there in no scope for impunity for the perpetrators. Last week, out Supreme Court dismissed a review petition filed against the capital punishment handed down to a convict in the murder case of a non-diplomatic staff of a Mission in 2012. Our authorities condemned the reported attack on the vehicles of an Ambassador while she was exiting a private event recently and continue to remain seized with identifying and bringing to account the perpetrators of this isolated yet disturbing act.
Likewise, we expect our diplomatic and non-diplomatic staff at missions abroad to be given due protection from criminal attacks as well undue harassment by host state authorities or officials. Our deference to diplomatic norms and practices should not be interpreted as our acquiescence to such unwarranted acts of harassment, often under unsubstantiated grounds.
With regard to reporting mechanism, we had shared a detailed account of the measures taken by our authorities to ensure protection, safety and security of diplomatic and consular missions and representatives in our statement at this Committee during the 71st session of the UN General Assembly. We urge the UN and others concerned to make objective assessment of safety and security situation in any national context, and refrain from unduly amplifying the threat perceptions in the interest of certain financial gains and other facilities.
I thank you.