By Raihan Rahman Rafid

The Youth for Human Rights International (YHRI) Bangladesh Chapter has organized a day-long workshop titled, “Empowering Youth through Human Rights Education in Preventing Gender-Based Violence” in partnership with the Nari Nirjaton Protirodh Andolon-NPA, Commonwealth Youth Human Rights & Democracy Network, South Asian Lawyer’s Forum (SALF) and Canadian University of Bangladesh.

The workshop was held on 26th February 2019 at Canadian University of Bangladesh. A good number of students from the School of Law and School of Science and Engineering of the Canadian University of Bangladesh participated in the workshop.

Dr. Abdullah-Al-Monzur Hussain, Head, Department of Law, Canadian University of Bangladesh; and Ms. Luna Khan, Secretary, Research & Planning, Nari Nirjaton Protirodh Andolon-NPA welcomed everyone to the workshop.

Mr. Abdullah Al Noman, Program Director, Youth for Human Rights International (YHRI) Bangladesh Chapter moderated the workshop.

Mr. Sheikh Salahuddin Ahmed, Advocate, Supreme Court of Bangladesh & President, Nari Nirjaton Protirodh Andolon-NPA was present as the Chief Guest in the closing ceremony of the workshop. Ms. Shahreen Srabon Tilottoma, Partnership Engagement Coordinator, Commonwealth Youth Human Rights & Democracy Network; Mr. Shariar Nafees, Secretary-General, Youth for Human Rights International Bangladesh Chapter; Ms. Lutfunnessa Sagor, Assistant Professor of Law, American International University Bangladesh (AIUB) & Secretary General, Nari Nirjaton Protirodh Andolon-NPA was present as Special Guest in the closing ceremony of the workshop.

The closing ceremony was chaired by Professor Dr. Nazrul Islam, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Canadian University of Bangladesh.

Resource Persons for different segments of the workshop included Engineer Audrika Eshna Purbasha, Joint General Secretary, Nari Nirjaton Protirodh Andolon-NPA; Ms. Kazi Tamanna Ferdush,  Alumni, Winter Academy of International Law, Turkey & Youth Rights Activist; Ms. Naharin Parvin Tania, Advocate, Supreme Court of Bangladesh; Advocate Sharmin Pervin, Director, Institute for Development of Human Rights And Legal Education (IDHRLE).

The workshop aimed at enhancing the knowledge of the students regarding the understanding of the basic concept of human rights and the global human rights movement regarding the prevention of gender-based violence. The day-long workshop, covered understanding of dignity and human rights, identified the human rights issues and gender-based violence, reviewed the international Bill of Rights, and the Constitution of Bangladesh, as well as human rights monitoring mechanism. It also reviewed the state obligation and prepared a plan of action to prevent gender-based violence.