Big companies profit from poverty but aren’t obliged to human rights

There is some disagreement among legal practitioners and scholars about whether corporations have duties under international law. Many argue that only states are bound by international law, and it is those states which are obliged to regulate how businesses operate within their borders. Corporations have only a voluntary responsibility to avoid

Prostitution an egregious violation of human rights

Reem Alsalem, the UN Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women and Girls, calls prostitution a “system of violence” that does not benefit society at all, especially the women and girls forced into this system. Alsalem spoke at the Roosevelt Public Policy House in New York on Wednesday, October 2, to discuss

Ensuring human rights prime goal: Prof Yunus

Chief Adviser to the interim government Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus Tuesday said all are equal before the law and there is no chance to create divisions. "Establishing people's democratic rights and human rights is the main goal of this government," he said while visiting Dhakeshwari National Templein here Tuesday afternoon. Adviser for

UN review on human rights in Bangladesh

The United Nations Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) on Bangladesh is underway in Geneva, Switzerland on monday. Law Minister Anisul Huq is leading the Bangladesh delegation at the review meeting that began at 3 pm (Bangladesh Time). Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen and Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the UN

Human rights dilemma: A critical appraisal of the role of UN

Existence is a prerequisite for any entity to be discussable. While theoretical discourse is conceivable about something that does not exist, practical discussion is not. As mankind is an existential being, fundamental rights are inherent to them. Correspondingly, there are accredited rights known as human rights, essential for mankind to

6 killed, 878 injured in political violence in August: HRSS

At least six people were killed and 878 injured in 74 incidents of "political violence" in August, according to a report published by Human Rights Support Society on Saturday (2 September). "Most of these casualties occurred in clashes centred around the ruling Awami League's infighting and BNP's rally. In addition, relating

RBH begins journey for human rights in RMG

The Responsible Business Hub (RBH) has started its journey with an aim to strengthen human rights and environmental due diligence in the readymade garments industry of Bangladesh, a press release said on Monday. The hub, set up by BGMEA and BKMEA with the support of the German development agency GIZ, will

US sanctions against individuals abroad violate rights: UN HR expert

The US has for years been imposing sanctions on individuals and entities without national criminal jurisdiction and in the absence of universal jurisdiction, a UN independent human rights expert said Thursday.  This is a clear violation of due process rights, including the presumption of innocence and fair trial, she added.  These rights