HRC sets up office, yet to see appointees

The government in a statement announced Monday the set up of the National Human Rights Commission with an office established in the capital's Hare Road, reports bdnews24.com.brMembers of the Commission have yet to be appointed though almost eight months have gone after the interim cabinet approved the HRC Ordinance. brThe Commission was set up Monday in compliance with the National Human Rights Commission Ordinance 2007, according to the statement of the law ministry. brThe interim cabinet approved the ordinance on December 9 last year, according to which a six-member search committee would handpick three members for the President to approve. brThe chairman, who will be the chief executive of the Commission, would be appointed from the three for a three-year term. brAt least one member is slated to be a retired or serving judge of the Supreme Court. The others must have experience in human-rights issues. brThe ordinance also set an age limit for members between 50 and 72 years. brThe search committee will consist of a Judge of the Appellate Division, the Cabinet Secretary, the Attorney General, the Comptroller and Auditor General, the Chairman of the Public Service Commission and the secretary of the ministry of law, justice and parliamentary affairs. brThe Commission will investigate any allegation against government agencies of violation or instigation to violate human rights, monitor human rights in prisons, correction centres or other forms of custody, and report to the government with recommendations. brIt will also make recommendations on ratification or signing of international human rights documents, dispose of accusations through mediation or compromise following investigation. brThe HRC will be entitled to deal with any cases pending trial in court or matters being considered by any ombudsman. brIt will not deal with the actions of in-service government employees that can be tried under the Administrative Tribunal Act 1980.br