Sara Hossain, a distinguished attorney at the Supreme Court and the honored executive director of Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (BLAST), recently discussed the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) mission’s significance in Bangladesh and the country’s current human rights landscape with Monorom Polok from The Daily Star.
When asked about OHCHR’s primary role in Bangladesh, Hossain emphasized the urgent need to rebuild dysfunctional and compromised accountability institutions to safeguard human rights. She highlighted the importance of collaborating with the UN Human Rights Office to enhance the understanding and implementation of human rights within national laws and policies. Hossain believes that the OHCHR’s involvement is crucial in identifying necessary measures to enforce human rights and catalyze positive change.
Regarding collaboration with existing institutions, Hossain affirmed that the OHCHR’s role in Bangladesh is to support and strengthen local institutions rather than replace them. She emphasized the necessity of independent and effective courts, a robust human rights commission, unbiased law enforcement agencies, and fair laws to ensure equal application of justice. Hossain acknowledged the country’s need for significant reforms and welcomed the OHCHR’s assistance during this critical transitional phase.
Expanding on the OHCHR’s potential impact on the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Hossain pointed out that the OHCHR mission could provide technical assistance and capacity-building to enhance the NHRC’s independence and effectiveness. She stressed the importance of advising on necessary reforms and resource allocation to bolster the NHRC’s functionality.
Addressing concerns about OHCHR’s effectiveness in preventing atrocities, Hossain emphasized that the OHCHR’s fact-finding mission played a crucial role in documenting human rights violations in Bangladesh. She expressed hope that the OHCHR’s focus would be on addressing serious violations, including repression under previous governments, and implementing measures to fortify laws and institutions against future abuses.
In terms of pushing reforms in policing and the legal system, Hossain expressed optimism that the OHCHR’s involvement could advance recommendations from various reform commissions, including those related to police and judicial reforms. She emphasized the importance of not only seeking justice for past atrocities but also transforming the conditions that led to such human rights violations.
When asked about the improvements in the legal system post-Awami League’s tenure, Hossain acknowledged some positive developments, such as justice reform initiatives and changes in laws and procedures. However, she highlighted persistent concerns regarding arrests, detentions, bail practices, and the need for a fair and non-discriminatory justice system.
Reflecting on the interim government’s performance, Hossain underscored the urgent need for police and judicial reforms and emphasized the criminal justice system’s misuse for political purposes. She called for increased vigilance to prevent the recurrence of past injustices and the abuse of power by various political entities.
In conclusion, Hossain emphasized the importance of transitional justice and victim-centered approaches in Bangladesh’s context, highlighting the UN mission’s potential to foster respect for universal human rights and accountability within society and the state.