EU lawmakers, activists urge immediate action on human rights in Pakistan and Bangladesh

Members of the European Parliament, senators, and human rights activists have voiced serious concerns over human rights violations in South Asia, particularly in Pakistan and Bangladesh, during a side event at the 60th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.

The event was organised by International Support for Human Rights in collaboration with Italia Che Cambia, and attended by figures including Anna Maria Cisint, Member of the European Parliament; Erik Selle, leader of the Christian Conservative Party in Norway; Fabia Cestelli of Italia Che Cambia; as well as various senators and political activists.

Erik Selle, who spent part of his life in Bangladesh, expressed deep concern about the country’s deteriorating situation. “I grew up in Bangladesh, I love that country, but I am devastated and heartbroken by what has happened in the last year. There is also a geopolitical aspect in Bangladesh with the caretaker government now, but my plea to Mohammad Yunus is to get control of the country and protect it from extremists,” he said.

Selle also emphasised the importance of women’s empowerment. “I worked in Bangladesh on projects aimed at empowering women in rural areas. When women's rights are strengthened and opportunities are created for them to earn and contribute to the family, it lifts families out of poverty. We must stop extremism and work for the welfare of women.”