'Condemned use of live fire ammunitions we've seen in Bangladesh': UN chief spokesperson

The United Nations has condemned the use, of live fire ammunitions that they "have seen in Bangladesh", UN chief's spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said yesterday (31 July).

"Governments, whether in Bangladesh or anywhere else, need to be protecting the rights of people to protest peacefully and need to be protecting the right of journalists to do their job in a free and unfettered manner," he also said while responding to queries regarding journalists killed in Bangladesh in recent days at a press briefing at the UN headquarters. 

Responding to another query, on whether the UN would assist with any investigation by state-controlled institutions regarding the recent violence centring on the quota reform protest, he said, "We are, of course, always ready to assist governments anywhere who may request help with different issues, and we see how we can best do that."

Speaking about whether the UN would launch its own investigation into the matter, he said, "In terms of independent investigations, as you know, that would require, as in any of these cases, a mandate from a legislative body of this organisation."

Speaking about Bangladesh at the press briefing, Stéphane Dujarric also said, "I can tell you [journalists] that despite the political situation and the violence we have seen, it is important to remind everyone that there are humanitarian crises ongoing in Bangladesh and we and our partners continue to provide support the people impacted by a number of emergencies — including Cyclone Remal — which has impacted 13 million people across Bangladesh this year.

"Our partners continue their work despite operational challenges — which include obviously internet outages, bank closures and curfews," he added.

He stated that last month, UN and its partners launched the $80 million Humanitarian Response Plan to support 1.2 million people. "The appeal is currently only 18% funded."

The UN chief's spokesperson also said on 5 June, $7.5 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund was made available to support the response to the cyclone, while an additional $6.2 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund was released on 4 July, to allow for cash payments to communities in the Jamuna Basin.

"And of course, there is also a massive humanitarian operation on Cox's Bazaar for refugees from Myanmar and to support the host communities," he added.