India criticized a UN report on Bangladesh for normalizing ‘revenge violence against minorities’ during the Human Rights Council session. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held talks in the UK concerning the situation, emphasizing regional stability. The report outlined serious human rights violations linked to the former government, addressing broader concerns about violence against minorities.
On March 5, during a session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, India accused a UN report concerning Bangladesh of normalizing the idea of “revenge violence against minorities.” This statement was made as External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar engaged in discussions regarding Bangladesh with his UK counterpart in Kent. The UN Human Rights Chief, Volker Türk, had previously referenced the report during discussions on transitional justice, highlighting its potential for accountability and reconciliation in Bangladesh.
The report concluded that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and senior leaders were complicit in significant human rights violations during recent protests. Although India had refrained from commenting on the report’s findings earlier, its representative, Anupama Singh, voiced strong objections regarding the characterization of violence against minorities, despite not directly addressing the allegations against Hasina.
Singh articulated concerns regarding the notion of “revenge violence against minorities,” stating, “This idea is deeply troubling and flawed as it ascribes legitimacy to violence against minorities.” She also criticized the challenge of the term “mobocracy” in political discourses and emphasized the need for genuine societal change accompanied by a home-grown approach to reconciliation.
The UN report assessed that violence against minorities arose largely due to the political vacuum after Hasina’s ouster, instigated by a variety of biases. Furthermore, it underscored the urgent threat to vulnerable religious and indigenous communities, particularly Hindus and Ahmadiyya Muslims, following the destabilization of law enforcement.
While significant discrepancies in the portrayal of violence between advocacy organizations and journalists exist, the report pointed to widespread patterns of violence driven by various motives, including revenge against political foes. The relevance of verified information was underscored to foster clarity regarding these matters.
During his meeting with UK Foreign Minister David Lammy at Chevening House on the same day, Jaishankar acknowledged discussions surrounding Bangladesh alongside various global issues. Lammy previously called for an independent UN investigation into the violent events surrounding Hasina’s ouster, emphasizing the need for a stable and democratic future in Bangladesh.
India’s condemnation of the UN report on Bangladesh highlights its concern over the portrayal of violence against minorities and the implications of legitimizing such violence. The ongoing discussions between Indian and UK officials stress the significance of stability in the region. The complexities regarding the political situation in Bangladesh and the implications for human rights violations remain a central focus for international diplomatic efforts.
Original Source: m.thewire.in
