Volker Turk Calls for Independent Oversight Body to Monitor Bangladesh Law Enforcement

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk has called for the establishment of a strong and independent national institution to oversee Bangladesh’s law enforcement agencies and ensure accountability.

Speaking on the global human rights situation at the 63rd session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on Monday (September 7), Turk made the call while discussing Bangladesh.

Turk said an independent institution is needed to ensure effective oversight and accountability for the activities of law enforcement agencies. A UN report on human rights violations during the July-August 2024 protests made 44 recommendations, including independent investigations into allegations against security forces, civilian oversight and strengthening the National Human Rights Commission.

Turk also discussed the human rights situation in Myanmar, saying the Rohingya crisis has had a negative impact on neighboring countries, particularly Bangladesh. He said the crisis in Rakhine is the result of widespread and systematic human rights violations, including arbitrary arrests, persecution, sexual violence and forced displacement, for which both the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army bear responsibility.