A/HRC/32/36/Add.3
expression and opinion and the right to seek, impart and receive information. He reiterates
his serious concerns regarding the physical and psychological integrity of Mr. Adilur
Rahman Khan, his relatives and colleagues, and all human rights defenders denouncing
alleged violations committed by law enforcement authorities in Bangladesh.
263. The Special Rapporteur further remains concerned about the sudden cancellation of
a commemorative event in Dhaka on the occasion of the International Day of the Victims of
Enforced Disappearances scheduled on 30 August 2015, as well as about the intimidation
of the victims' families. Such incidents appear to be related to their legitimate and peaceful
work as human rights defenders, and part of a wider effort by Government authorities to
silence the voices of those speaking out against enforced disappearances and exercising
their legitimate rights to freedom of expression, freedom of peaceful assembly and freedom
of association. He is particularly concerned that these alleged measures are also an attempt
to maintain a climate of impunity for crimes committed by State authorities.
264. The Special Rapporteur remains deeply concerned about the draft Foreign Donations
(Voluntary Activities) Regulation Act, which will be considered during the next
parliamentary session. He reiterates all the concerns he has made on this Bill in the past
years (see PR 06/11/2015). He calls on again the authorities “not to adopt the Bill as its
purpose clearly violates the right to freedom of association, and has a ricochet effect on the
realization of other human rights, as well as on the delivery of aid in a country prone to
natural disasters. [He] stand[s] ready to provide assistance to the Government to help
ensure that the Bill complies with international human rights law” (PR 06/11/2015).
265. More generally, the Special Rapporteur reminds the Government of its positive
obligation to ensure that civil society, including human rights defenders, can carry out their
legitimate work free in a safe and enabling environment without fear of threats or acts of
intimidation and harassment of any sort.
Country visit
266. The Special Rapporteur reminds the Government of his pending requests to visit
Bangladesh, as indicated by letter on 27 January 2014. He trusts that such a visit would
allow him to examine issues relating to his mandate, identify good practices and formulate
pertinent recommendations to relevant stakeholders. He looks forward to receiving a
positive reply at the earliest possible opportunity. He reiterates that Human Rights Council
resolution 15/21, which established his mandate, and 24/5, which renewed it for an
additional period of three years, both call on States to consider favourably his requests for
visits.
Cambodia
267. AL 08/05/2015. Case no. KHM 2/2015. State reply: None. Follow-up
communication regarding draft legislation on association.
268. JAL 10/08/2015. Case no. KHM 3/2015. State reply: None. Alleged judicial
harassment of a Cambodian human rights defender and leader of a human rights
organization.
269. JUA 18/11/2015. Case no. KHM 5/2015. State reply: None. Alleged arbitrary arrest
and continued detention of four human rights defenders, and the ban imposed on a human
rights training session.
270. JAL 03/12/2015. Case no. KHM 6/2015. State reply: None. Alleged physical
harassment of Mr. Kung Sophea and Mr. Nhay Chamraoen, two Parliamentarians of the
main opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) in their legitimate and peaceful
42
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