Regional human rights mechanism for South Asia underscored
Dhaka, 10 December 2011:
Presenters and discussants at a seminar have underlined the need for a regional mechanism in South Asia for better promotion and protection of human rights.
They recommended for setting up a South Asian Human Rights Commission alongside strengthening the National Human Rights Institutes (NHRIs) in respective countries.
Mizanur Rahman, Chairman, National Human Rights Commission and Professor Jamilur Reza Choudhury.
They also recommended for inclusion of provisions facilitating regional human rights mechanism in the SAARC Charter.
This was viewed at a seminar themed on "Developing a Regional Human Rights Mechanism in South Asia" held in Dhaka on 10 December 2011 at Dhaka Reporters’ Unity Auditorium.
It was organized by the UNESCO-Madanjeet Singh Institute of Human Rights and South Asian Common Law (UMIHRSACL)/South Asian Institute of Advanced Legal and Human Rights Studies (SAILS).
The seminar held to mark the Human Rights Day 2011 and to celebrate the 2011 UNESCO- Madanjeet Singh Prize for the Promotion of Tolerance and Non-Violence.
Eminent Jurist Dr. Kamal Hossain in his speech has observed that a regional mechanism can foster solidarity in South Asia for the promotion and protection of human rights.
Dr. Hossain, Chairperson of Bangladesh Chapter of the South Asia Foundation (SAF) and UMIHRSACL/SAILS also recommended for building up effective networks among National Human Rights Institutes (NHRIs) in the regions.
Dr. Abdullah Al Faruque, Professor at the Department of Law, University of Chittagong, Bangladesh has presented the keynote paper.
Professor Dr. Shahnaz Huda and Professor Dr. Sumaiya Khair of the Department of Law, University of Dhaka were designated discussants on the keynote paper.
"A regional mechanism can foster solidarity in South Asia for the promotion and protection of human rights.”
Dr. Kamal Hossain
Professor Sumaiya Khair (left) is making her presentation; Professor Shahnaz Huda is also seen in the picture.
Professor Dr. M. Shah Alam, Chairman, Law Commission, Professor Dr. Mizanur Rahman, Chairman, National Human Rights Commission and Dr. Kamal Hossain, Chairperson of UMIHRSACL/SAILS were the Guests of Honour.
Professor Jamilur Reza Choudhury, Vice-Chairperson, Bangladesh Chapter, South Asia Foundation (SAF) and Member, Governing Council, SAILS presided over seminar.
Dr. Sharif Bhuiyan, Honorary Director of UMIHRSACL/SAILS gave the welcome address while Dr. Uttam Kumar Das, Deputy Director gave the vote of thanks.
The seminar was attended by about 100 academics, practitioners and students of law and human rights.
From left- Prof. Abdullah Al Faruque, Prof. Jamilur Reza Choudhury, Prof. Mizanur Rahman and Prof. M. Shah Alam.
Report and design: Dr. Uttam Kumar Das, Deputy Director, UMIHRSACL/SAILS.