Human Rights Outlook in 2022:
An Evaluation
Human Rights have been facing Challenges around the world due to Covid Crisis and
War between Russia and Ukraine. Bangladesh also faces the same situation. In 2022,
due to Covid Crisis and Russia-Ukraine war, GDP was reduced, unemployment and
inflation was higher. Despite lots of Challenges, Bangladesh ranked 129 in UN Human
Development Index. Besides, the country ranked 5th among 121 country in terms of
being successful in providing Covid vaccination. This year, UN High Commissioner
for Human Rights visited Bangladesh for the first time. She has critically observed
human rights situation of the country and has provided some concrete suggestions as
well. She emphasized on the discussion among all parties to create a just environment
for the upcoming election. Despite lots of criticism about human rights in the country,
Bangladesh has been elected as member of UN Human Rights Council for 5th time.
Moreover, Bangladesh has achieved tremendous success in terms of economic and
social sphere. The country has progressed in several areas including poverty
alleviation, development in education and health sector, reducing women and children
mortality, enough supply of food, water and sanitation. Two milestones of the country’s
infrastructural development Padma bridge and Metro Rail have been launched this
year. Despite lots of these positive instances, we have noticed some unwanted
incidents in terms of enjoyment of civil and political rights that hinder the
protection of human rights. This chapter portrays a brief analysis of human rights
situation of Bangladesh.
2.1 Rohingya Crises
Five years have been passed since Rohingyas fled to Bangladesh from Myanmar in
2017. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) rejected Myanmar’s Preliminary
objections to the case brought by Gambia under the International Genocide
Convention. Myanmar gave objections challenging the court’s jurisdiction and
Gambia’s legal standing to file the case, as well as Gambia’s response. In it’s ruling, the
court rejected Myanmar’s objections. This stance has been deemed as the reflection of
international community’s commitment in resolving Rohingya crisis.
This year, a Rohingya youth was killed and at least eight others were injured in morter
shells blast fired from Myanmar in Naikhongchhari Upazila of Bandarban. Besides, a
Human Rights Outlook in 2022: An Evaluation | 31