Prominent US human rights activist Kerry Kennedy has urged the Bangladesh government to guarantee garment workers’ right to peaceful protest, saying its response to the ongoing labour unrest would test its commitment to citizens’ rights.

Kennedy, president of Robert F Kennedy Human Rights Center and daughter of the late US senator Robert F Kennedy, made the remarks in a post on her verified Facebook page, sharing an Al Jazeera report on the ongoing garment workers’ protests in Bangladesh.

“Bangladesh is the world's second-biggest garment exporter — but its monthly minimum wage for garment workers is barely equal to $100,” she wrote.

“Everyone deserves fair wages and a safe work environment. And everyone has the right to peacefully protest when those conditions are not met.”

Kennedy said the government's handling of the protests would reflect its commitment to fundamental rights.

“Moments like these define a government’s values and commitment to its citizens. Bangladesh must respect and guarantee its people's right to peaceful protest,” she added.

Kennedy is an internationally recognised human rights advocate and lawyer who has campaigned against political repression, labour exploitation and human rights abuses around the world.

Her remarks come amid widespread unrest in Bangladesh’s garment sector, with workers demanding an increase in the monthly minimum wage to 30,000 taka from the existing 12,500 taka.

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