Bangladesh: Amnesty calls for UN to investigate war crimes

Amnesty’s Secretary General calls for justice for thousands killed

Amnesty International has called for a full-scale investigation into human rights violations carried out during the Liberation War of 1971 in what is now Bangladesh.

Speaking at a meeting in Dhaka, Amnesty International’s Secretary General, Irene Khan, urged the country’s Caretaker Government to approach the United Nations to request assistance in following processes of international law and in setting up an inquiry.

She added that the government could be assured of independent, impartial advice based on the experience of the 33 commissions already established elsewhere around the world.

Referring to the progress made in this area in the Americas, Africa and Asia, Irene Khan, said:

“Today’s there’s a worldwide global anti-impunity movement, like the global hunger movement.”

Meanwhile, she also welcomed the government’s decision to establish the National Human Rights Commission, but stressed that it would have to be a strong and effective body.