PM reaffirms commitment to upholding human rights

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Friday reaffirmed Bangladesh`s `unwavering commitment` to upholding the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all people around the world as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

"Bangladesh has always been at the global forefront in demonstrating its consistent engagement with human rights mechanisms and institutions and in living up to its national and international obligations to promote and protect human rights," she said in a message on the occasion of International Human Rights Day.

The Prime Minister said her government has made relentless efforts during the last seven and a half years to uphold the human rights and fundamental freedoms of every citizen, drawing inspiration from the nation`s constitution and the electoral commitments.

"Commensurate with our Vision 2021 and Vision 2041, we remain committed to combating poverty, hunger, disease and illiteracy that constitute violation of human rights and dignity, and create barriers to the full enjoyment of human rights and social justice by certain number of our people," she said.

Sheikh Hasina said her government attaches utmost priority to combating all forms of violence against women and children, and would make sure that the perpetrators of such violence are brought to justice.

"We envisage building a society that is truly safe, secure and sustainable for our future generation. Our government safeguards the independence and free space enjoyed by our media and civil society as an article of faith," she added.

The Prime Minister said with the overwhelming support of the people, her government had lived up to its commitment to ensure justice for the victims of the atrocious crime against humanity and genocide committed during our Liberation War in 1971.

"In the same spirit, we reaffirm our pledge on this Human Rights Day to continue to support the just struggles for peace, justice, freedom, and human rights of peoples anywhere in the world," she added.

Source: BSS