DHAKA, Oct 21, 2024 (BSS) - Young Human Rights Defenders (HRDs)from different 
parts of the country have pledged to promote and protect human rights during 
a two-day workshop titled "Consultation with Human Rights Defenders: 
Advancing the Protection of Human Rights".

The workshop was organised here by the United Nations Development Programme 
(UNDP).

The event, held from 20-21 October 2024 at a hotel in Dhaka, under 
Strengthening Institutions, Policies, and Service (SIPS) project of UNDP, 
funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). 

It brought together around 50 Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) from various 
organizations across Bangladesh, aiming to enhance collaboration among HRDs, 
media, civil society organizations (CSOs), and the National Human Rights 
Commission (NHRC) in promoting and protecting human rights, a UNDP press 
release said.

Dr Kamal Uddin Ahmed, Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission 
(NHRC), reaffirmed the commission's commitment to working with Human Rights 
Defenders (HRDs). 

He emphasised, "The NHRC is unwavering in its efforts to protect and promote 
human rights across Bangladesh. We acknowledge the vital role HRDs play and 
pledge to collaborate closely with you to ensure these rights are upheld for 
all."
 
"Human Rights Defenders play a critical role in protecting human rights, and 
UNDP is committed to supporting them. I urge all stakeholders to continue 
dialogue and collaboration to foster an environment where HRDs can carry out 
their work safely and effectively," said Anowarul Haq, Assistant Resident 
Representative of UNDP Bangladesh.
 
The consultation addressed various topics, including the definition of human 
rights, current and emerging human rights issues in Bangladesh, and 
violations by both state and non-state actors. 

Participants discussed the threats and challenges faced by Human Rights 
Defenders and examined the roles of the media, the National Human Rights 
Commission, and the state in supporting HRDs in their efforts to advance 
human rights. 

The consultation concluded with a renewed commitment from all stakeholders to 
enhance the protection and promotion of human rights in Bangladesh through 
collaborative efforts among Human Rights Defenders, state institutions, civil 
society organizations, and the media. Participants included HRDs, officials 
from the NHRC, UNDP, and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation.