International treaties are vital in establishing, protecting, and advancing human rights worldwide.
- The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), 1948, holds particular significance. While not a treaty, the UDHR is a foundational document that established the universally recognized fundamental human rights. It was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948 and has served as the basis for numerous subsequent treaties. The UDHR encompasses various liberties, including civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights. It asserts the right to life, liberty, security, freedom of speech, and equality before the law.
- The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)-1966, is a pivotal agreement that obliges its members to safeguard the rights of individuals. These rights encompass freedom of speech, religion, assembly, and the right to life. The ICCPR also includes the right to a just trial, freedom from torture, and the right to participate in elections. It establishes the Human Rights Committee, which ensures compliance with the agreement and reinforces confidence in the system, thereby playing a crucial role in protecting individual rights and instilling confidence in the global community.
- The International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ICESCR)-1966, is a unique treaty that focuses on rights related to work, education, social security, and a decent standard of living. It is part of the International Bill of Human Rights and the ICCPR. The ICESCR highlights that these rights should be gradually realized, understanding that states may require time to implement them fully. This gradual realization emphasizes patience and understanding of the challenges in implementing human rights, fostering a sense of tolerance and perseverance, thereby making a unique contribution to the human rights landscape.
- The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW)-1979, is like an international bill of rights for women. Its goal is to end all forms of discrimination against women and ensure that women have the same rights as men. The convention covers women's education, work, health, and marriage rights. The convention also establishes a group to check that countries follow it, empowering and committing the audience to gender equality.
- Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC)-1989, is an international treaty that covers the civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights of children. It addresses various issues, such as the right to education, protection from abuse, and children's rights in the justice system. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of considering the child's best interests in all actions concerning children.
- Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT)-1984, is aimed at preventing torture and other forms of ill-treatment worldwide. It requires states to take adequate measures to prevent torture, investigate and prosecute torture cases, and provide redress and compensation to victims. CAT unequivocally prohibits torture under all circumstances. Additionally, it established the Committee Against Torture to ensure that these measures are implemented.
- International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD)-1965, aims to eliminate racial discrimination and promote understanding among all races. It includes a specific definition of racial discrimination and obligates participating states to prohibit and eliminate it. Furthermore, it sets up the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination to supervise and facilitate these endeavours.
- Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)-2006, stands as the inaugural all-encompassing human rights agreement of the 21st century. It aims to protect the rights and honour of individuals living with disabilities, encompassing rights concerning accessibility, personal mobility, health, education, and employment. It emphasizes ensuring that people with disabilities have equitable access to all human rights.
- International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (ICPPED)-2006, aims to prevent enforced disappearances, provide justice to victims and combat impunity for those responsible. The treaty prohibits enforced disappearances, establishes the right of victims and their families to know the truth about the circumstances of the disappearance, and sets up a committee to monitor its implementation.
- Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC)-1998, established the International Criminal Court, which has jurisdiction over crimes of genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and aggression. The ICC prosecutes individuals responsible for the most severe crimes of concern to the international community and outlines the rights of the accused and the protection of victims and witnesses.
Why is human security imperative?
According to the United Nations Trust Fund for Human Security, many people perceive today's world as dangerous due to various threats. These threats include natural disasters, violent conflicts, persistent poverty, epidemics, and economic downturns. They create obstacles and hinder the possibilities for peace, stability, political security, and sustainable development.
These complex crises can become more severe when intersecting, impacting all facets of people's lives, devastating entire communities, and crossing international borders. Figure 1 shows the evolution of sustainable human security, while Figure 2 shows the frameworks for sustainable human security (both figures were formulated by Tavanti, 2013, cited in World Engagement Weinstitute).
The "Human Security Now" document was released by the Commission on Human Security. It recognizes fresh security issues in a globally interconnected society. Rather than exclusively concentrating on state security, it stresses the importance of considering the security of individuals in a manner that preserves their essential liberties.
The document presents various methods to strengthen people's security, such as shielding individuals in areas of conflict, empowering migrating populations, safeguarding individuals in post-conflict situations, and assisting those confronting economic instability, along with other tactics.
United Nations Secretary General's Human Security Report on the 78th Session Agenda items 13, 117, and 122 reflected on the integrated and coordinated implementation of and follow-up to the outcomes of the central United Nations conferences and summits in the economic, social, and related fields, followed by the results of the Millennium Summit.
Human security is people-centred, comprehensive, and prevention-oriented, aiming to strengthen the protection and empowerment of individuals and communities
During the 78th session, the secretary general emphasized the importance of assessing the progress of human security by member states, regional intergovernmental organizations, and the United Nations system. Over the past decade, there has been a significant increase in activities related to human security at the global, regional, national, and local levels involving various stakeholders such as member states, regional organizations, United Nations entities, civil society, academia, and the private sector.
Adopting resolution 66/290, a significant milestone in advancing human security, also reflected a common understanding of human security. In the resolution, the General Assembly agreed that human security was an approach to assist member states in identifying and addressing widespread and cross-cutting challenges to their people's survival, livelihood, and dignity.
The report also outlines the principles of human security, emphasizing the right of people to live in freedom and dignity, free from poverty and fear. It highlights that human security is people-centred, comprehensive, and prevention-oriented, aiming to strengthen the protection and empowerment of individuals and communities.
The document underlines the interconnectedness of peace, development, and human rights and emphasizes the importance of national ownership and cooperation between governments, international organizations, and civil society. Additionally, it stresses that human security does not replace state security and must be implemented with full respect for the principles outlined in the Charter of the United Nations.
The human rights condition in Bangladesh and the urgency for improvement
The human rights situation in Bangladesh has been a subject of concern both domestically and internationally. The country faces significant challenges in protecting and promoting the rights of its citizens, with issues ranging from political repression and freedom of speech to gender-based violence and the treatment of minority groups.
The USA Department of State issued a country report on Bangladesh in 2023 on Human Rights Practices, which begins: “There were no significant changes in the human rights situation in Bangladesh during the year.” The report also highlighted that the former prime minister, Sheikh Hasina's government, has been reported to engage in significant human rights violations, including arbitrary or unlawful killings, enforced disappearances, torture, and harsh prison conditions.
Other concerns include transnational repression, illegal interference with privacy, restrictions on freedom of expression and media freedom, limitations on internet freedom, peaceful assembly, and association, as well as restrictions on political participation, government corruption, and gender-based violence. Impunity for human rights abuses is widespread, with few credible steps taken to punish officials or security force members who may have committed such abuses.
The UN General Assembly adopted the Anti-Disappearance Charter in December 2006. Its implementation began in 2010 after 32 countries signed it. The Charter aims to end impunity for these crimes, end disappearances, establish justice, and provide assistance to victims. So far, 75 countries have joined this charter.
Human rights should be upheld in the judiciary and all spheres of society
August 30 is International Anti-Disappearance Day. According to Bangladesh's Foreign Secretary, Masood Bin Momen, Bangladesh's current interim government has set a target of acceding to the Charter before that date. They had two inter-ministerial meetings last week. The meeting unanimously decided that Bangladesh would join the charter without any objection (reservation).
Bangladesh has also signed eight of the nine United Nations human rights treaties, but despite long-standing requests from the United Nations, it has not signed the Anti-Disappearance Convention. The interim government wants to end the culture of disappearances while upholding human rights. For this purpose, the government is going to join the anti-disappearance charter.
Bangladesh has ratified every fundamental International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention and several fundamental UN Conventions to protect human rights according to international standards. However, the question is whether those ratified conventions are ever respected and enforced in Bangladesh.
Ensuring the proper human rights of every citizen is a significant responsibility of the Bangladesh government, particularly the current administration. Human rights are fundamental to protecting human dignity, promoting equality, upholding democracy, ensuring peace and stability, fostering economic and social development, and fulfilling moral and ethical obligations. They are the bedrock of a just and humane society, making them indispensable for the well-being of individuals and communities worldwide.
Human rights should be upheld in the judiciary and all spheres of society. Even individuals accused of crimes are entitled to constitutional human rights. Bangladesh has experienced human rights violations over the past 16 years, resulting in changes in the government. The current administration should take this into account and make it a priority. Any individual who unlawfully harms another must be promptly identified and held accountable. Protecting human rights must be the primary focus to establish a fair society in Bangladesh.
The points emphasize the importance of protecting human rights in Bangladesh for several reasons:
- Continued human rights abuses could damage Bangladesh's international standing, affecting trade relations, foreign aid, and diplomatic ties.
- Persistent human rights violations can lead to social unrest and instability, making it crucial to ensure that all citizens' rights are protected to maintain peace and order.
- Human rights are closely linked to sustainable development, as protecting workers' rights, ensuring gender equality, and upholding the rule of law are essential for economic progress.
- Beyond practical reasons, there is a moral obligation to protect the dignity and rights of all individuals, which Bangladesh has committed to as a member of the United Nations and a signatory of the ILO and human rights conventions.
However, achieving a targeted goal of human rights standards in Bangladesh requires the concerted effort of every influential stakeholder and a long-term strategy to overcome socio-economic challenges. Otherwise, the human rights of millions of Bangladeshis would just remain a dream.
Dr ASM Anam Ullah (PhD) is an Australian academic, human rights activist, political analyst, and OHS and industrial relations expert.