Condemning the alleged extrajudicial killings of suspected drug offenders in Bangladesh, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein, yesterday called for an immediate halt to these serious human rights violations and bringing the perpetrators to justice

Some 130 people have reportedly been shot dead by security forces across Bangladesh since May 15 and another 13,000 arrested. The killings began after the government announced a “zero tolerance” policy to confront the growing consumption of drugs in the country, particularly methamphetamine.

“I am gravely concerned that such a large number of people have been killed, and that the government reaction has been to assure the public that none of these individuals were 'innocent' but that mistakes can occur in an anti-narcotics drive,” High Commissioner Zeid said in a press statement issued in Geneva.

“Such statements are dangerous and indicative of a total disregard for the rule of law. Every person has the right to life. People do not lose their human rights because they use or sell drugs. The presumption of innocence and the right to due process must be at the forefront of any efforts to tackle crimes.”

Given the large number of people arrested, there was a high likelihood that many people might have been arbitrarily detained, without due regard for their rights, he added.

The high commissioner called on the Bangladesh government to investigate the reports of extrajudicial killings, and stressed that there must not be impunity for human rights violations in the name of drug control. He was encouraged by assurances provided by Bangladesh's law minister at a meeting in Geneva last week that investigations would take place and those found to be responsible for crimes would be held accountable. He urged the government to follow through on this commitment, stressing that the investigations would need to be independent, impartial, transparent and effective.

Zeid also expressed concern that already vulnerable communities living in slums were particularly being targeted and had been subjected to numerous raids. The crackdown has reportedly also seriously hampered the ability of people who use drugs to access health services, as they fear that they will be arrested or even killed if they seek treatment at drop-in centres.

“There is no doubt that the trafficking and sale of illegal narcotics leads to tremendous suffering for individuals and entire communities, but extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests and the stigmatisation of people who use drugs cannot be the answer,” Zeid said.

He called upon the authorities to adopt a national drug policy that is compliant with Bangladesh's obligations under international human rights law and international narcotics conventions, ensuring full respect for the right to health of people who use drugs.

During its Universal Periodic Review before the UN Human Rights Council on May 14, Bangladesh undertook to investigate reports of extrajudicial executions, arbitrary arrests and other serious violations. The developments since that date, with increasing reports of such human rights violations, are deeply worrying, the statement said.

“Bangladesh deserves to be commended for its tremendous support for Rohingya refugees, setting an example for the world,” Zeid said.

He urged the government to build on this respect for human rights in other areas, including in its fight against drug-related crimes.