New OHCHR mission chief presents credentials to state minister

The newly appointed head of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) Mission in Bangladesh, Sabine Magdalena Lauber, presented her credentials to State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir in Dhaka on Sunday.

Lauber met the state minister at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where Kobir welcomed her and congratulated her on assuming office, according to a press release from the ministry.

During the meeting, Kobir reaffirmed Bangladesh's commitment to constructive engagement with the OHCHR and highlighted the government's priorities of strengthening democracy, promoting good governance and the rule of law, and protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms.

He also emphasised the importance of freedom of expression and the press, alongside efforts to strengthen state institutions through legal and institutional reforms.

The state minister discussed Bangladesh's continued engagement with UN Special Procedures mandate holders and exchanged views on the planned visits of the UN special rapporteurs on human rights in Myanmar and the right to education.

Kobir urged the OHCHR mission to align its programmes and activities with the government's priorities and assured Lauber of full government support and cooperation in carrying out her responsibilities.

In response, Lauber appreciated the government's engagement and reaffirmed the OHCHR's readiness to support Bangladesh's efforts to promote and protect human rights and strengthen relevant institutions.

She also outlined her priorities and planned activities during her tenure, stressing the importance of continued dialogue and cooperation with the government.

Lauber is the first chief of the OHCHR Mission in Bangladesh, established under a three-year memorandum of understanding signed between the government and the UN human rights body in July 2025.