As the US Department of State on June 25 published country report on human rights practices in 2014 covering the nations they assist and those members of the United Nations, I was looking for the name of the US on the list…but to no avail!
They do not release such report along with the other countries.
But do they prepare it for the Congress or the State Department or the Pentagon or the White House? May be yes, and it’d be leaked by the WikiLeaks someday!
I am sure the US does not make any report on their forces’ operations aimed at establishing peace and democracy in other countries either!
Secretary of State John Kerry made a statement while unveiling the report.
Interestingly, introduction of the 2014 report and explanation on the countries covered are a bit different. Here is an example about Bangladesh:
“Following a series of tragic factory accidents in previous years that killed more than 1,000 workers, 2014 saw unprecedented scrutiny of the Bangladesh’s ready-made garment industry.
New coalitions of multinational companies, international organizations, and labor rights groups worked with the Government of Bangladesh toward improving worker safety in thousands of garment factories.
Significant concerns remain, however, with respect to workers’ rights to freely associate and collectively bargain.
Violence, intimidation, and harassment against labor activists continued throughout the year. After months of political turmoil and violence in late 2013, the parliamentary elections held in January 2014 were flawed.
The opposition and its allies engaged in a series of violent strikes before boycotting the election. The ruling party won the elections with more than half the seats uncontested.
There were also reports of extrajudicial killings and forced disappearances, as well as restrictions on online speech and the media.
Women suffered from unequal treatment and many children were compelled to work due to economic necessity or trafficking. Weak regard for the rule of law enabled individuals, including government officials, to commit human right violations and abuses with impunity and hindered individuals’ enjoyment of their human rights.”
However, the detail report on Bangladesh looks too much shocking, as if there is no rule of law! And unfortunately the local media outlets have picked headline and content from the detail part. #RIPjournalism
The Daily Star: US report focuses on extrajudicial killing, disappearance
Dhaka Tribune: Report: Extrajudicial killing a significant problem in Bangladesh
bdnews24.com: Extrajudicial killings, forced disappearances ‘significant problems’: US State Department
Prothom Alo: Extrajudicial killing direct blow to human rights: US