UN expert to visit Bangladesh to assess impact of poverty on human rights

GENEVA (10 May 2023) – UN Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights Olivier De Schutter will visit Bangladesh to examine the government’s efforts to eradicate poverty from 17 to 29 May 2023.

“Bangladesh has made remarkable gains in poverty reduction over recent years, yet important questions remain around how to maintain this progress and ensure all parts of the population benefit equally,” said De Schutter, the independent expert appointed by the UN Human Rights Council to monitor, report, and advise on poverty and human rights around the world.

“My visit will be an opportunity to hear and learn more and provide recommendations to the government on how it can continue to support people out of poverty and ensure the right to an adequate standard of living for all in the face of economic and climate-induced shocks.”  

During the visit, the UN expert will travel to Dhaka, Rangpur Division and Cox’s Bazar, where he will meet with national and local government officials, individuals and communities affected by poverty, and representatives from civil society.

In addition to investigating the effectiveness of social security programmes, De Schutter will examine the impact of Bangladesh's labour laws, health care, housing, and education systems on poverty. He will also assess the situation of groups disproportionately affected by poverty, including women, children, people with disabilities and older persons, as well as ready-made garment workers and Rohingya refugees.

De Schutter will present his preliminary observations and recommendations at a press conference at Hotel Pan Pacific Sonargaon in Dhaka on 29 May at 15:00 local time. Access will be strictly limited to journalists. The press conference will also be live-streamed.

The Special Rapporteur will present his final report on the visit to the UN Human Rights Council in June 2024.

ENDS

Mr. Olivier De Schutter (Belgium) has been the Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights since May 2020. He was appointed by the UN Human Rights Council and is part of the Special Procedures, the general name of the Council's independent fact-finding and monitoring mechanisms that address either specific country situations or thematic issues in all parts of the world. Special Procedures experts work on a voluntary basis; they are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work. They are independent from any government or organisation and serve in their individual capacity.

UN Human Rights Country Page: Bangladesh