OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media concludes official visit to Turkmenistan

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11 July 2023

Bangladesh using enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings to silence rights defenders: Experts

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‘Chilling effect’

Odhikar has “documented enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings and cooperated with UN human rights mechanisms in this context,” the three experts said.

“Such reprisals also have a chilling effect and may deter others from reporting on human rights issues and cooperating with the UN, its representatives, and mechanisms”.

The Special Rapporteurs said that the Bangladeshi NGO Affairs Bureau (NGOAB) has accused Odhikar of publishing “misleading information,” “seriously [tarnishing] the image of the State to the world,” and “[creating] various issues against Bangladesh.”

The experts state these efforts reflect the Government’s continued harassment of human rights defenders and organizations, as well as a violation of the right to freedom as outlined in Article 22 of the ICCPR – the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Bangladesh is a signatory.

Ten years after Odhikar published a fact-finding report on extrajudicial killings in the country, the organisation’s Secretary Adilur Rahman Khan and its Director ASM Nasiruddin Elan continue to face judicial harassment for allegedly publishing “fake, distorted, and defamatory” information.

Disinformation campaigns

Odhikar is also reportedly facing disinformation campaigns through both print and electronic media.

“The defamation of Bangladesh-based human rights organisations by high-profile public figures is a clear attempt to undermine their credibility, reputation, and human rights work in the country,” the experts said.

Demanding fair treatment

The Rapporteurs called on Bangladesh to ensure respect for due process and the right to a fair trial. Additionally, experts urged officials to cease judicial harassment and disinformation campaigns against Odhikar, including its leaders.

They said they had raised the issue of intimidation with authorities and urged them to ensure human rights defenders can conduct their work in a safe environment, without fear of reprisal.

“Odhikar’s case reflects the ongoing harassment and targeting of human rights defenders and organisations in Bangladesh,” they said.

Special Rapporteurs and other UN Human Rights Council-appointed rights experts, work on a voluntary and unpaid basis, are not UN staff, and work independently from any government or organisation.

Türk calls for respect of religious symbols as rights council urgently debates Quran burnings

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11 July 2023

Türk calls for respect of religious symbols as rights council urgently debates Quran burnings

Addressing the Human Rights Council, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk noted that the tome was the “core of faith” for well over one billion Muslims.

Those who had burned the Quran most likely did so “to express contempt and inflame anger”, Mr. Türk said, as he warned that these acts also aimed “to drive wedges between people”, to provoke and transform differences into hatred.

Dialogue to repair differences of opinion and faiths is key, the UN rights chief continued, as he condemned hate speech against and by people of all mainstream and minority faiths, highlighting instead the benefits of diversity to all societies.

The right to believe – or not to believe – “is fundamental to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights”, the High Commissioner told the Human Rights Council, which met on Tuesday for the urgent debate at the request of Pakistan.

He said leading politicians and senior religious figures have a “particularly crucial role to play” in speaking out clearly against disrespect and intolerance.

“They should also make it clear that violence cannot be justified by prior provocation, whether real or perceived,” he added.

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Limits to free speech

The High Commissioner stressed that limiting free speech or expression to any degree must remain “as a matter of fundamental principle” an exception, especially given that laws limiting speech are “often misused” by authoritarian governments.

But, some acts of speech constitute incitement to violence and discriminatory action, he continued.

Numerous acts of violence, terror, and mass atrocity have targeted people based on their religious beliefs, including inside places of worship.

Although international law is clear on the issue, national courts must determine each case in a manner “that is consistent with the guardrails that international humanitarian law provides”, he said.

Power of the law against hate

“My second point is this: advocacy of hatred that constitutes incitement to violence, discrimination, and hostility should be prohibited in every State,” Mr. Türk told delegates at the Council in Geneva.

He gave the examples of abusing Muslim women who wear a headscarf, sneering at people with disabilities, smearing LGBTIQ+ people, or making false claims against migrants and minorities, noting that “all such hate speech is similar”, stemming from the idea that some are less deserving than others.

The tide of hate speech is being powered by social media and increasing discord and polarization, he warned.

Next, he called for rising hate speech to be addressed through dialogue, education, greater awareness, and interfaith or community engagement.

He highlighted the UN Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech, as a key support tool for governments to counter it.

He urged countries to redouble their efforts to implement the Plan.

Defy the chaos merchants

Faced with the increasing weaponization of religious differences for political advantage, he said societies must not take the bait.

“We must not allow ourselves to be reeled in and become instrumentalized by these merchants of chaos for political gain – these provocateurs who deliberately seek out ways to divide us.”

He said his overriding goal in addressing the debate was to stress the “profound enrichment” provided by diversity, existential views, “and our thoughts and beliefs”.

The UN rights chief said all societies need to become “magnets of respect, dialogue, and cooperation among different peoples, as has been achieved by multiple civilizations in the past.”

Security Council fails to reach consensus on Syria aid lifeline

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11 July 2023

Security Council fails to reach consensus on Syria aid lifeline

The disruption comes as humanitarian needs are at an all-time high after more than 12 years of war and in the wake of the devastating double earthquakes that struck the region in February.

The UN and partners were hoping for a 12-month extension of the mandate to transport aid through the Bab al-Hawa crossing point – a lifeline for four million people in northwest Syria, the last opposition stronghold.

Ambassador Sérgio França Danese of Brazil addresses the Security Council meeting on the situation in Syria.

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Rival resolutions

The first draft resolution, tabled by Brazil and Switzerland, called for a nine-month extension and included a paragraph on the expansion of crossline operations, increased funding, enhanced early recovery activities and humanitarian mine action.

Speaking before the vote, Brazilian Ambassador Sérgio França Danese said they “spared no effort to try to achieve a text as consensual as possible.”

Although 13 of the 15 countries in the Council voted in favour of the resolution, it was struck down by a no vote from Russia, one of the five permanent members. China, another permanent member, abstained.

The second resolution for a six-month extension was submitted by Russia, which China supported. Three countries voted against and 10 abstained.

Consensus efforts to continue

The Security Council first established the cross-border mechanism in 2014, initially through four border crossings. Bab al-Hawa is the only one remaining.

Every month, trucks deliver medicines, safe water, food, shelter supplies and other items for some 2.7 million Syrians. Damascus opened up two additional crossings in the aftermath of the earthquakes.

Swiss Ambassador Pascale Baeriswyl said the resolution her country co-sponsored would have assured the continuation of humanitarian assistance by all cross-border and crossline modalities,

“Brazil and Switzerland as co-pen holders are guided by the humanitarian imperative. We will therefore not let this veto cease our tireless efforts to find a solution,” she said.

Russia votes against

In explaining Russia’s vote, Ambassador Vasily Nebenzya said the cross-border mechanism “looks completely anachronistic today”. He highlighted the need to uphold Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“Blessing the mechanism within which the terrorists from Idlib will, with impunity, disallow humanitarian assistance into the enclave through crosslines; where Western countries are funding the early recovery and humanitarian projects only on those territories which are not under Government control, and Syria itself is being suffocated with inhumane sanctions, is not something that we’re going to do,” he said.

Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia of the Russian Federation addresses the Security Council meeting on the situation in Syria.

‘A sad moment’

The resolution’s failure represented a sad moment for the Syrian people and the Security Council, “save for one country”, said United States Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield.

“Russia has not lived up to its responsibility as a permanent member of this Council. And it’s beneath the dignity of this body,” she said.

“This is a gross affront to the values we all hold dear to our efforts to advance peace and security, and above all, to the Syrian people who have endured so much needless suffering and violence at the hands of the Assad regime.”

Transition to crossline delivery

After the vote on the Russian draft, China expressed regret that the Council was unable to reach consensus on the renewal of the cross-border mechanism.

“We have all along maintained that humanitarian assistance to Syria should be provided in a way that respects the sovereignty of Syria and the Syrian Government’s ownership,” said Ambassador Jun Zhang.

The pipeline was a temporary arrangement under specific circumstances, he said, adding that “there is a need to speed up the transition to crossline assistance and to phase out the cross-border mechanism over time until its eventual discontinuation.”

Displaced children living in an informal settlement in northwest Syria.

UN chief disappointed

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has voiced his disappointment over the Council’s inability to reach agreement, his Spokesperson said in a statement issued following the meeting.

“UN cross-border assistance remains a veritable lifeline for millions of people in northwest Syria as humanitarian needs have reached an all-time high since the start of the conflict, while the impact of the devastating February earthquakes still acutely felt,” it said.

Mr. Guterres urged Council members to redouble their efforts to support the continued delivery of cross-border assistance to millions in dire need “for the longest possible period.”

Mothers of Srebrenica: ‘Sadly, the killing continues in the world…’

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11 July 2023

Mothers of Srebrenica: ‘Sadly, the killing continues in the world…’

Among the exhibit’s visitors were members of the Mothers of Srebrenica, an association that united thousands of people – mothers, sisters, and wives – who have lost loved ones in the massacre in their city.

Munira Subašić doesn’t need photographs to remember the tragedy that claimed her husband, son, and 20 other close relatives.

“I represent all the mothers who lost their children in the genocide, all those whose dreams were shattered by this tragedy,” she told UN News ahead of Srebrenica Memorial Day, commemorated on 11 July.

A display at the Stories of Survival and Remembrance exhibit at UN Headquarters depicting pointe shoes that belonged to Mela, who lived through the Bosnian War.

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Darkest page of war

The war that followed the breakup of the former Yugoslavia claimed more than 100,000 lives in Bosnia and Herzegovina between 1992 and 1995, mostly of Bosnian Muslims, and displaced more than two million others.

People were detained and put in concentration camps, and thousands of Bosnian women were systematically raped. The list of atrocities is endless, but Srebrenica became the darkest page of the war.

In July 1995, the Bosnian Serb army seized Srebrenica, previously declared by the UN as a “security zone”, and brutally murdered some 8,000 men and teenagers there and expelled 20,000 people from the city.

The International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) recognized the massacre of Bosnian Muslims in Srebrenica by the army of Republika Srpska as an act of genocide.

The UN could not prevent this genocide because the small and lightly armed contingent of Dutch peacekeepers was not able to resist the units of the Bosnian Serbs.

Seeking justice

Founded in 2002, the Mothers of Srebrenica Association has been searching for missing persons and mass graves, supporting survivors, and seeking justice.

“We want the whole world to know that we have survived,” Ms. Subašić said. “We have forgotten nothing. We will strive to make sure that all criminals get what they deserve.”

Ratko Mladić, former commander of the Bosnian Serb Army, at his trial judgement at the UN International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia.

In 2017, the ICTY sentenced Ratko Mladić, former commander of the Bosnian Serb army, to life in prison for crimes of genocide, violations of the laws and customs of war, and crimes against humanity, including the massacres at Srebrenica, committed from 1992 to 1995 in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

“The crimes committed are among the most atrocious acts known to mankind,” Judge Alphons Orie of the Tribunal said when announcing the verdict. “They include genocide and extermination, which is a crime against humanity.”

The Mothers of Srebrenica won a lawsuit filed against the Dutch government and Ministry of Defence for failing to protect the residents, Ms. Subašić said.

“The Dutch Government acknowledged the Court’s decision, took responsibility, and took an active role in financially supporting the survivors of the genocide,” she said. “Our children’s lives are priceless. No one can give them back to us, but we worked to ensure that justice was done.”

ICTY/Isabella Tan Hui Huang

Items recovered in a warehouse in former Yugoslavia, where men and boys were held, were used as evidence in trials at the ICTY.

Identifying remains

Kada Hotić, a Mothers of Srebrenica member, has dedicated her life to finding those still missing and identifying their remains.

“It took years to find just two bones from my son’s remains,” Ms. Hotić, said, adding that the vast majority of those reported missing were later found dead in huge mass graves.

The last time she saw her husband was in July 1995, she said. They were trying to board a bus together during the deportation when a uniformed man led him out of the line with a gun to his throat.

“He had our belongings in his hands, everything we had managed to take with us, and I haven’t seen him since,” she said.

“They took us, women and children, by bus to Tuzla, but on the way, the bus was stopped, and soldiers burst in,” she explained. “They exposed their genitals and shouted at us that ‘these are their weapons against us’. We tried to protect the children somehow so they wouldn’t see this horror.”

Psychological trauma

Genocide is also about deep psychological trauma for the survivors. According to Ms. Subašić, the Srebrenica genocide left some 5,500 minors without one or both parents.

In front of many of these children, their families and loved ones were raped and murdered, she said.

“Members of our association were actively involved in raising these children, and many of them have become successful people in spite of their experiences,” says the head of the association. “We wanted them to grow up in love, to feel that love, and I hope we have succeeded.”

Srebrenica lessons

“The Mothers of Srebrenica are here, and their presence is a reminder of what should never happen again,” said UN Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide Alice Nderitu at the Stories of Survival and Remembrance exhibit at UN Headquarters.

“No genocide has ever happened without hate speech accompanying it before and even after,” she said, adding that genocide denial efforts continue today.

While touring the exhibit with the Special Adviser, Ms. Subašić expressed the association’s hope “that with our mission, we would ensure that no one else would have to go through the horrors of Srebrenica, through the genocide”.

“But, unfortunately, while I’m talking to you about this, a similar situation is developing in Ukraine, Somalia, and other places,” she said. “People are being killed there again.”

Munira Subašić, head of the Mothers of Srebrenica Association, (seated) and UN Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide Alice Nderitu at the Stories of Survival and Remembrance exhibit at UN Headquarters in New York.

Sudan crisis: You don’t dare ask refugees where the men have gone, say UN aid teams

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11 July 2023

Sudan crisis: You don’t dare ask refugees where the men have gone, say UN aid teams

From the World Food Programme (WFP), Chad Country Director Pierre Honnorat said that 20,000 people crossed into Chad just last week.

Speaking to journalists via Zoom from the Zabout refugee camp in Goz Beida, Mr. Honnorat described desperate scenes: “We can see that they have suffered, many lost family members, and we don’t even dare ask them, ‘Where are the men?’ The answer from the mothers is often that they were killed. So, you just see many women, many children.”

The new arrivals are among the more than 230,000 refugees and 38,000 returnees who’ve been uprooted by deadly clashes in west Sudan’s Darfur states.

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‘We need support, not hope’

Many are seriously wounded and have harrowing stories of the violence they have experienced, Mr. Honnorat said, as he appealed for financial support to help the victims of Sudan’s conflict, which began on 15 April and has been marked by the use of heavy weaponry and airstrikes involving rival military forces.

“This is not over at all,” the WFP official said. “We really need support. It’s no longer about hope. We give them hope, safety, but they really need to eat every day. The situation is really critical.”

In order to scale up WFP’s response on the Chad-Sudan border, the UN agency needs a minimum of $13 million every month.

Dying at nutrition centres

Urgent priorities include treating the wounded and helping dangerously malnourished children crossing from Darfur into Chad. According to WFP, one in 10 displaced youngsters from Sudan is malnourished.

“Every week children are dying at the nutrition centres; this is a reality,” Mr. Honnorat said. “The malnutrition rate for children now is just too high, and we need to be extremely quick in prevention to make sure that those who are under what we call moderate to acute malnutrition can urgently get what they need so they don’t fall into the severe malnutrition.”

According to the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, the conflict has displaced more than 2.5 million people inside Sudan and across borders into neighbouring countries. Before the crisis erupted, there were 1.1 million refugees in Sudan, mainly from South Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Syria.

The latest data from UNHCR indicates that Chad has opened its borders to more than 190,000 refugees, second only to Egypt, which shelters more than 250,000.

‘So little funding’

In recent weeks, WFP has constructed six temporary health units, including two now used as a makeshift hospital and for medical logistics, and four as transit points for new refugees crossing into Chad.

“I’ve rarely seen such an important crisis with so little funding,” said the WFP country director. “I was also at the border, on the bridge, what’s left as a bridge. It’s a constant flow and the ones that are coming now are in much worse situations than those who arrived in the first days.”

Many of those arriving in Chad from Darfur are seriously wounded amid reports that fleeing civilians have been deliberated targeted with an increasing ethnic dimension to the violence.

EU and New Zealand Sign Ambitious Free Trade Agreement, Boosting Economic Growth and Sustainability

By

Jan Leonid Bornstein

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11 July 2023

EU and New Zealand Sign Ambitious Free Trade Agreement, Boosting Economic Growth and Sustainability

The European Union (EU) and New Zealand have officially signed a groundbreaking free trade agreement (FTA) that holds immense potential for economic growth and sustainability. This landmark deal is expected to deliver significant gains for the EU, cutting approximately €140 million in duties for EU companies annually from the first year of implementation. With an estimated growth of up to 30% in bilateral trade within a decade, the FTA could potentially drive annual EU exports by up to €4.5 billion. Moreover, EU investment in New Zealand has the potential to increase by up to 80%. This historic agreement also stands out due to its unprecedented sustainability commitments, including respect for the Paris Climate Agreement and core labour rights.

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New Export Opportunities and Business Advantages:

The EU-New Zealand FTA opens up new horizons for businesses of all sizes. It eliminates all tariffs on EU exports to New Zealand, expanding market access and trade potential. The agreement specifically focuses on key sectors such as financial services, telecommunications, maritime transport, and delivery services, enabling EU businesses to tap into the New Zealand services market. Both parties have ensured non-discriminatory treatment for investors, enhancing investment prospects and fostering a conducive business environment.

The agreement also improves access to New Zealand government procurement contracts for EU companies, facilitating trade in goods, services, works, and works concessions. It streamlines data flows, establishes predictable and transparent rules for digital trade, and ensures a secure online environment for consumers. By preventing unjustified data localization requirements and upholding high standards of personal data protection, the agreement promotes digital trade and privacy.

New Zealand is a key partner for us in the Indo-Pacific region, and this free trade agreement will bring us even closer together. With today’s signature, we have taken an important step in making the agreement a reality. This modern free trade agreement brings major opportunities for our companies, our farmers and our consumers, on both sides. With unprecedented social and climate commitments, it drives just and green growth while reinforcing Europe’s economic security.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission – 09/07/2023

Boosting Agricultural and Food Trade:

The agricultural and food sector is set to benefit significantly from the EU-New Zealand FTA. EU farmers gain immediate access to the New Zealand market, as tariffs on key exports such as pig meat, wine, chocolate, sugar confectionery, and biscuits are eliminated from day one. Furthermore, the agreement safeguards the protection of nearly 2,000 EU wines and spirits.

Additionally, it ensures the protection of 163 traditional EU products known as Geographical Indications, including iconic items like Asiago and Feta cheeses, Lübecker Marzipan, and Istarski pršut ham. However, sensitive agricultural sectors such as dairy, beef, sheep meat, ethanol, and sweetcorn have been addressed through provisions that limit trade liberalization. Tariff Rate Quotas will allow limited imports from New Zealand at zero or reduced tariffs, safeguarding the interests of EU producers.

EU-New Zealand take Unprecedented Commitments to Sustainability:

The EU-New Zealand FTA sets new standards for sustainability commitments in trade agreements. It integrates the EU’s comprehensive approach to trade and sustainable development, emphasizing green and just economic growth. The agreement incorporates ambitious trade and sustainable development commitments, covering a wide range of issues.

It includes a dedicated chapter on sustainable food systems, highlighting the importance of environmentally responsible agricultural practices. Moreover, the agreement features a provision on trade and gender equality, aiming to promote inclusive growth. Notably, it addresses the issue of trade-related fossil fuel subsidies, demonstrating a commitment to environmental responsibility. The FTA also facilitates the liberalization of environmental goods and services, promoting green technologies and solutions.

Next Steps and Future Outlook:

The EU-New Zealand FTA is now awaiting consent from the European Parliament. Once the Parliament approves the agreement, the Council can adopt the Decision on the conclusion. Upon completion of the ratification process in both the EU and New Zealand, the agreement will come into force, opening up a new era of economic cooperation and prosperity.

This agreement underscores the EU’s commitment to an open trade approach and strengthens its engagement in the Indo-Pacific region. President Ursula von der Leyen expressed optimism regarding the FTA, emphasizing the importance of New Zealand as a key partner in the Indo-Pacific region. She highlighted the major opportunities the agreement brings for companies, farmers, and consumers on both sides, promoting equitable and sustainable growth while enhancing Europe’s economic security.

Conclusion:

The EU-New Zealand free trade agreement represents a groundbreaking milestone in international trade relations. By forging deeper economic ties, this FTA paves the way for increased trade, investment, and collaboration. Its emphasis on sustainability and adherence to global commitments further exemplify the EU’s dedication to responsible trade practices.

As the agreement progresses towards ratification, it serves as a testament to the power of international partnerships in fostering economic growth and sustainability. The EU and New Zealand have set a strong example, demonstrating that trade can be a force for positive change while promoting shared prosperity and a greener future.

Is my dog drinking enough water?

By

Gaston de Persigny

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11 July 2023

We know that we should drink about eight glasses of water a day, or about a litre and a half. But what about our dog? You see your pet drinking, but how much water is he actually ingesting? And last but not least – how can we be sure that our furry friend is well hydrated?

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How to encourage your dog to drink more water?

Most dogs eagerly drink water when they’re thirsty, but if you want to encourage your furry friend to hydrate more, check some basics first. Make sure your four-legged friend always has a full bowl of clean water available. Furthermore:

• Change the animal’s water every day;

• Clean his water bowl daily to prevent bacteria and germs from accumulating on the bottom;

• Make sure the water in your pet’s bowl is clean – there are no hair, dust or other contaminants that would make it unattractive;

• Leave the bowl in a cool or shady place in your home, away from the sun. The animal is less likely to drink from a warm bowl.

Providing water when you’re on the go

If you’re going on a long walk, visiting a dog park or approaching, be sure to bring extra water with you. Even if your outing is relatively short, make sure your furry friend is well-hydrated.

How much water do dogs need?

While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, it is thought to be good for dogs to drink about 0.030 litres of water per kilogram of body weight. If the animal is active, it may need more. And just like humans, four-legged friends also need more water when they spend time outside.

Canine dehydration

During the warmer and hotter months, it is important to keep your dog well-hydrated at home or on the go. Among the signs of dehydration to watch for are:

• Apathy

• Excessive drooling

• Frantic search for drinking water

• Pale, dry and/or sticky gums

If you suspect your dog is dehydrated, try to give him small sips of water to help him rehydrate – don’t let him drink too quickly as this can cause vomiting.

If your pet’s symptoms do not improve or worsen, take him to the vet immediately.

Photo by Pixabay: https://www.pexels.com/photo/short-coated-black-and-brown-puppy-in-white-and-red-polka-dot-ceramic-mug-on-green-field- 39317/

2024 Bangladesh Parliamentary Elections, Democracy is key to relations with the EU

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Guest Author

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11 July 2023

Bangladesh has attracted the attention of political observers worldwide as it is expected to hold its next parliamentary elections in January 2024. The outcome of the upcoming elections will likely play a significant role in determining the future of EU-Bangladesh relations.

Bangladesh is facing mounting pressures from the United States, and the EU, to ensure the free, fair, and participatory nature of next year’s elections. In response, Bangladesh’s current Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina announced that the country will welcome EU and UK observers to monitor the electoral process.

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140-150 EU observers to be received

An invitation has already been sent to the EU, which will dispatch an exploratory mission to Bangladesh in July this year for a 13-day visit. The mission is expected to meet representatives of the political parties, civil society, and media. The EU can later send a full-fledged observation mission of 140 to 150 observers.

Bangladesh has achieved extraordinary socio-economic development in the last decade and is expected to graduate from the Least Developed Countries (LDC) status in 2026. Charles Whiteley, the EU ambassador to Bangladesh, believes that if Bangladesh succeeds in carrying out free and fair parliamentary elections, it will send a clear signal to the EU that it possesses a political environment conducive to further expansion of EU-Bangladesh cooperation, which has so far seen fruitful results.

50 Years of EU-Bangladesh Relations

ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw== 2024 Bangladesh Parliamentary Elections, Democracy is key to relations with the EU

This year marks the 50^th anniversary of EU-Bangladesh relations. Their past cooperation can be described as transformative and dynamic, to say the least.

The EU’s Everything But Arms (EBA) initiative has been the primary driving force behind the EU becoming Bangladesh’s largest trading partner, particularly in the garment industry, as it has already surpassed China as the largest exporter of garments to the EU, directing more than half of its exports to the bloc.

Bangladesh is also considered a success story of the EU’s Generalised Schemes of Preferences (GSP) which provides duty-free access to the EU’s market and is used to help the LDCs further their economic development. Over the years, Bangladesh’s cooperation with the EU has undergone a considerable shift from primarily focusing on development aid to diversifying their partnership across various sectors which now include climate change, governance, migration, and alike.

The EU praised Bangladesh for its impressive achievements concerning economic growth, poverty reduction, and the implementation of the National Action Plan on labour rights and workplace safety.

In addition, the EU-Bangladesh partnership reached a new high in November last year as they conducted the first-ever EU-Bangladesh Political Dialogue, which is now going to be held annually. The dialogue marks a further strengthening of EU-Bangladesh relations beyond the current focus of their cooperation, with collaboration in foreign policy, digital transformation, and security expected to take a central stage.

Notwithstanding the advancements in their relations, Bangladesh still faces several obstacles to further strengthening its cooperation with the EU. As Bangladesh becomes more prosperous and prepares for its transition from LDCs status to a middle-income economy, it will also have to renegotiate its trade agreements with the EU.

The European Union decided to extend its EBA scheme for Bangladesh until 2029, after which Bangladesh will be expected to sign 32 international conventions to qualify for the EU’s GSP+ programme. While Bangladesh is making good progress in areas such as climate change and work conditions, improving its human, civil, and political rights record needs to be addressed more effectively.

The EU as a Partner in Promoting Democracy

The upcoming elections allow Bangladesh to prove to international observers that it is on the right trajectory to become eligible for GSP+. Following European criticism of the 2014 and 2018 elections, the EU and other actors are particularly adamant in encouraging the two main political parties in Bangladesh, the Awami League and the BNP, to set aside their differences and ensure free, fair, and credible elections.

The US has even made the decision to impose visa restrictions on those that are proven to have interfered with and undermined the democratic process. These moves rightly denounce any alternative to democratic elections.

The EU hopes to see a similar situation to that of the 2008 elections, which were considered a step forward in successfully rehabilitating Bangladesh’s democracy following a military-backed caretaker government rule.

The elections were pronounced fair, free, and representative of Bangladesh’s citizens both by hundreds of international observers and the EU. The EU has also devised a plan to help Bangladesh consolidate its democratic processes by supporting key institutions, enhancing civil society, and improving civil-military relations, to name a few.

However, since then the democratic processes in Bangladesh were, and may still be, far from sustainable.

The nature of the elections, rather than the outcome itself, is likely to have a significant impact on the future of EU-Bangladeshi ties. Given the positive trajectory that Bangladesh has so far been enjoying in its relationship with the bloc, carrying out successful elections has the opportunity to further boost the EU’s trust in Bangladesh’s eligibility for transitioning to the GSP+ scheme. And given the growing interest of the international community, there is an opportunity for all parties in Bangladesh to prove their respect for the democratic process and not to amend it.

Opening: 10-13 July plenary session | News

By

Newsdesk

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10 July 2023

Opening: 10-13 July plenary session | News

Russian invasion of Ukraine

This weekend marked 500 days since the start of Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine, said President Metsola. Parliament has stood with Ukraine and its people from the start, leading the call for Ukraine to be granted EU candidate status and pushing forward political momentum for humanitarian, military and financial support, she added. The Parliament procured generators to provide heating and light to Ukrainians when it was needed. The legislation and agreements reached with Council on joint procurement and defence, and the act in support of ammunition production (ASAP) will make a real difference, the President said.

Detention of Wall Street Journal reporter

It is 100 days since Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich was illegally detained by Russia, said President Metsola, reiterating Parliament’s solidarity, support and determination to see him freed immediately.

Daphne Caruana Galizia

Journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia was murdered 300 weeks ago, and the Parliament continues to call for justice to be served, noted the President. Being a journalist takes courage, but Parliament is committed to ensuring the right legislation is in place, so that people are not forced to be brave to do it, she concluded.

Violent disruption of Tbilisi Pride

On Saturday Tbilisi Pride was violently disrupted; anti-LGBTIQ rhetoric, disinformation and violence are unacceptable, said the President, adding that the lives and safety of the LGBTIQ community must be a priority – people deserve to live their lives free from fear.

Request by several committees to start negotiations with Council and Commission

Decisions by committees to enter into inter-institutional negotiations (Rule 71) are published on the plenary website.

If no request for a vote in Parliament on the decision to enter into negotiations is made by Tuesday 12.00 midnight, the committees may start negotiations.

Information concerning the distribution of votes is available under the section “Priority information”.

Outgoing MEPs

Ismail Ertug (S&D, Germany) as of 2 July 2023

Álvaro Amaro (EPP, Portugal) as of 6 July 2023

Incoming MEPs

Thomas Rudner (S&D, Germany) as of 3 July 2023

Carlos Coelho (EPP, Portugal) as of 7 July 2023