Dhaka for global treaty to protect crimes against humanity victims

Bangladesh on Tuesday demanded a convention to protect victims of crimes against humanity at the Sixth Committee of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Dhaka, Oct 14 - Bangladesh has called for a strong international convention to prevent and punish crimes against humanity, urging special recognition and support for countries hosting victims of such atrocities.

Addressing the Sixth Committee of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York on Tuesday, Bangladesh delegate Muhammad Nawshad Zamir proposed three key provisions for the convention: cooperation in preserving evidence and protecting witnesses in receiving States; support for survivors, including access to justice at national and international levels; and international solidarity in sharing the burden borne by host countries.

Citing Bangladesh’s experience sheltering over 1 million Rohingyas forcibly displaced from Myanmar, he stressed that countries receiving victims must be integral to international accountability mechanisms, according to the Permanent Mission of Bangladesh to the United Nations in New York.

Referring to Bangladesh’s 2024 uprising, Zamir cited a UN report estimating that up to 1,400 people, including children, were killed, calling for investigations into possible crimes against humanity.

Bangladesh also advocated universal jurisdiction, stronger extradition mechanisms and an end to impunity, while emphasising prevention and justice for women and children.

The Bangladesh delegate urged that the convention complement the Rome Statute and uphold the International Criminal Court’s independence.

“A convention diluted until it offends no one will protect no one,” he warned. - UNB