Showing posts with label Human Rights. Show all posts

Minhaz Samad Chowdhury: a Bangladeshi Human Rights Defender

, by Voice For Institutional Democracy

 

    Minhaz Samad Chowdhury: a Bangladeshi Human Rights Defender


Minhaz Samad Chowdhury (Bengali: মিনহাজ সামাদ চৌধুরী) is a Bangladeshi human rights defender known for his unwavering commitment to safeguarding the rights of marginalized communities and promoting institutional democracy and good governance. Chowdhury embarked on his mission as an independent advocate on September 21, 2007, and has since been a relentless voice against state violence targeting minorities in Bangladesh.

His civic vision for Bangladesh is one where human rights are upheld and respected, creating a foundation for a prosperous and inclusive society. One of Chowdhury's significant initiatives is "One World, One Identity, One Curriculum," which aims to ensure equal access to quality education for all children, regardless of their background.

Central to his advocacy is the establishment of a robust protection system for minority communities in Bangladesh, ensuring their safety and security amid challenging circumstances. Additionally, Chowdhury passionately champions the ambitious initiative of "Reunification of Great India: A Vision of 2050," driven by a desire for regional harmony and prosperity.

He firmly believes in the "Eight Pillars of Good Governance: Building a Better Society," advocating for transparent, accountable, and responsive governance to foster sustainable development and social welfare.

Chowdhury's activism extends beyond Bangladesh's borders, as he has been deeply involved in advocating for women's rights in Afghanistan, standing against the suppression imposed by the Taliban.

Furthermore, Chowdhury has actively appealed to the European Union for a Visa Policy that would provide protection and support to religious minorities in Bangladesh, recognizing the need for international collaboration in promoting human rights.

Throughout his career, Minhaz Samad Chowdhury has demonstrated remarkable dedication and passion in his pursuit of justice, equality, and human rights, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of countless individuals both in Bangladesh and beyond. His tireless efforts serve as an inspiration to many in their fight for a better world.

 

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Human Rights 75 Initiative

, by Voice For Institutional Democracy

 United Nations logo

“Together, let’s rejuvenate the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, demonstrate how it can meet the needs of our time AND advance its promise of freedom, equality and justice for all”. 

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Rebirth often follows decimation. And so, in the aftermath of World War II, on 10 December 1948, the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

If there was ever a moment to rekindle the hope of human rights for every person, it is now. And this moment will last throughout 2023 and beyond – a year of commemoration of one of the world’s most ground-breaking international commitments. In 2023, we reinvigorate the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, showing the ways it meets the needs of our time, and advancing its promise of freedom, equality, and justice for all.

Solidarity for the rights of everyone

In the decades since 50 countries signed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, we have pushed the frontiers in medicine, technology, the environment, social and political expression, economic and labour laws, and more. Progress is a process, and we have much to build on. The Declaration reflects an agreement that equality, freedom and justice are values that drive a thriving society when everyone could experience equal access to opportunities in these domains and any of their choosing.   

The Declaration is a life guide encompassing 30 articles that address rights and benefits, which have been realized by many yet outside the reach of others. These include access to education, employment, fair pay, voting rights, healthcare and more; the values of free speech, privacy, and mutual respect irrespective of gender, race, ethnicity, or religion are evinced by the Declaration.

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Human Rights 75 is an initiative whose three main goals focus on universality, progress and engagement under the leadership of UN Human Rights, together with its partners. The initiative culminates in a high-level event in December 2023 that will announce global pledges and ideas for a vision for the future of human rights.

Three tracks of Human Rights 75

Join the journeys to commemorate and strengthen a movement for a better world:

  1. Promoting universality honours diversity, strengths, and achievements of the many communities striving to address today’s global challenges. It reminds us that human rights are non-negotiable and we reclaim it as a foundation on which to find solutions to our common challenges.
  2. Forging the future seeks to harness the potential of latest breakthroughs through all means, including technology, and anticipate the challenges that will benefit from their application.
  3. Supporting engagement will work with Member States and all the relevant actors to build a positive force for change with trust in the human rights architecture, faith in its promise, and resources to apply the tools that are necessary to ensure rights are upheld.
 

For more details:

The coming months – Human Rights Hub

We pledge to listen, learn, and commit as the Initiative takes the pulse of countries, communities and individuals across the globe. Business forums, youth consultations, dialogues across the UN bodies with their constituencies, and Member States will activate the initiative in their country to become part of a solid network for sharing milestones, challenges and needs. Regular thematic spotlights will focus on critical themes spanning a range of economic, social, cultural, civil and political rights for implementation of the Declaration, as well as the rights to development and the environment.

Pledges and positive stories will be featured in the countdown to the year’s two pivotal events:

  • Vienna high-level event on 5-6 June 2023 focusing on universality and solidarity, technology and shaping the future with human rights reinforced as a solution for global challenges.
  • Human Rights 75 - High-level event on 11-12 December 2023, a culmination of the national and regional dialogues, thematic consultations and recommendations from other sectors. A pledging event and vision for the next 25 years will contribute to the 2024’s Summit of the Future. The December event will be designed as a hybrid event, allowing physical participation from 4 locations and virtual participation for all.
  • OHCHR
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