UN team on enforced disappearance holds meeting with foreign secretary

A two-member delegation of the UN Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances held a meeting with acting Foreign Secretary Md. Ruhul Alam Siddique on Monday.

The two-member delegation, Grażyna Baranowska and Ana Lorena, arrived in Dhaka on June 15. 

During the meeting, they commended the interim government for its significant initiatives in addressing the issue of enforced disappearances, particularly welcoming the country’s accession to the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (ICPPED).

The UN officials lauded the work and commitment demonstrated by the Commission of Inquiry (COI) on Enforced Disappearances. 

They expressed their interest in exploring how the Group’s mandate could further support the Bangladesh government’s efforts to prevent and redress cases of enforced or involuntary disappearances.

The acting foreign secretary reiterated the government’s firm commitment to uphold, protect, and promote human rights, and ensure justice for victims. 

Siddique welcomed continued support and technical cooperation from the UN to realize the objectives.