Minority rights in Bangladesh, Pakistan draw focus at UNHR Council

Urgent concerns over minority rights violations in Bangladesh and Pakistan dominated discussions at a high-profile side event titled “Voices from the Margins” during the 60th Session of the UN Human Rights Council. The event, organised by Global Human Rights Defence (GHRD), shed light on systemic discrimination and violence across South Asia, with speakers warning of dire consequences if international action is not taken. Addressing the situation in Bangladesh, Rahman Khalilur Mamun, Executive President of the International Forum for Secular Bangladesh, painted a grim picture for Hindus, Christians, Buddhists and indigenous communities. He highlighted widespread communal violence and the culture of impunity enjoyed by perpetrators. Mamun urged the global community to step up support for secularism and democracy in Bangladesh, warning...