No scope for impunity over any murder: Volker Turk

UN Human Rights High Commissioner Volker Türk on Wednesday laid emphasis on investigating all killings and highlighted the importance of freedom of assembly, expression and political participation.

“When it comes to any killings – they need to be investigated irrespective of perpetrators. That’s very clear. All killings need to be investigated, that is what human rights demands. We cannot allow killings to happen with impunity," he said while responding to a question at a media briefing wrapping up his two-day visit.

UN Human Rights Office spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani and UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh Gwyn Lewis were also present, reports UNB.

It is crucial that the strong winds of change are harnessed and directed with human rights as the compass, said the UN rights chief.

He said criminal justice is key, but it is crucial to ensure that charges are not brought in haste, and that due process and fair trial standards are upheld throughout, including in the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT).

“I found the interim government to be aware of the problems with the proceedings in the International Crimes Tribunal in the past. My Office has provided comments on amending the ICT law, to bring it into line with international standards and to ensure the right to fair trial, and that justice is served without compromising due process,” he said.

Turk said they will be looking at other ways that they can accompany and support this process.

“I hope there will also be a public discussion on the use of the death penalty in the future. My own view, informed by the law and by evidence, is clear: the death penalty should be relegated to the past,” he added.

The UN rights chief said it is key that criminal cases are not filed against individuals solely on the basis of their previous political affiliation, including members or supporters of Awami League.

There are concerns that some charges are not founded on proper investigation, including a large number of murder charges against journalists. It is important not to repeat the patterns of the past, he said.

“I welcome the creation by the interim government of a committee to look into this matter as a tool to address the possible proliferation of false cases. It is essential to prioritize due process,” he mentioned.