A/HRC/43/51/Add.3 Bangladesh, reportedly in connection with their human rights activities. In many cases, Muslim fundamentalist groups claimed responsibility for the acts. 319. The extreme threats faced, and the lack of effective investigation or prosecution of those allegedly responsible, have led to self-censorship amid a culture of impunity. According to information received, more than 45 of the most prominent Bangladeshi human rights defenders and writers are now dead, in exile, or have ceased writing completely. Furthermore, journalists, media and individuals expressing dissenting or critical opinion have reportedly been targeted under the Digital Security Act adopted in October 2018, and related surveillance of social media, adding to self –censorship. 320. In his communication BGD 1/2019 the Special Rapporteur highlighted the case of Ms. Sultana Kamal, which can be considered emblematic of the type of threats faced by human rights defenders in Bangladesh. Ms. Kamal, a renowned advocate for human rights in the country, has faced death threats for her work during the period covered by this report. According to the information received, the militant Islamist group Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh included Ms. Sultana Kamal’s name on a list of targets for assassination which was widely circulated online. The document included suggestions of possible ways to kill the individuals listed. 321. The Special Rapporteur remains deeply concerned that crimes by militant Islamist groups are met with an alleged lack of investigation, and that those who have received death threats are allegedly not provided adequate protection by State authorities. He further remains concerned in regard to the impact that this violence has on the exercise of all their human rights, including their right to take part in the conduct of public affairs, their right to participate in cultural life, their freedom of expression and opinion, and their freedom of religion or belief. 322. The Special Rapporteur equally remains concerned at the situation of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh. In his communication BGD 2/2019 the Special Rapporteur expressed specific concerns relating to an alleged backlash against refugees in the Cox’s Bazar area, following the murder of a local citizen allegedly by two Rohingya refugees. The alleged backlash has included targeting of human rights defenders involved in organising an unrelated demonstration by Rohingya refugees (Genocide Day demonstration), banning of at least two international non-governmental organisations (INGOs) for financing and aiding in the organisation of “anti-repatriation groups,” and suspension of the activities of multiple NGOs working in the refugee camps. Cambodia 323. JAL 19 Jul 2019 Case no: KHM 4/2019 State reply: 13 Sep 2019 Alleged arbitrary arrest, detention and criminal charges of Mr. Kong Raiya and Mr. Soung Neakpaon in relation to activities seeking accountability for the killing of the political and social activist Mr. Kem Ley. 324. PR 16/08/2019 UN experts concerned by arrests around Kem Ley memorial service 325. The Special Rapporteur expresses his gratitude to the Government of Cambodia for the response to his communication dated 19 July 2019. The Special Rapporteur remains concerned at the detention of these two men for having peacefully exercised their right to freedom of expression. Both men expressed opinions in relation to the killing of political and social activist Mr. Kem Ley. 326. The Special Rapporteur regrets that no progress seems to have been made in relation to the second investigation relating to the murder of activist Mr. Kem Ley, which is supposed to investigate whether other individuals may have been involved in the murder. According to information received, no individuals have been summoned in relation to the investigation. The Cambodian authorities have reportedly not implemented recommendations made by local and international organizations for an independent, transparent and impartial 48

Select target paragraph3

Connect to a paragraph
Connect to an entity
Disable highlights
Add to table of contents