Dhaka,Bangladesh : In celebration of International Human Rights Day 2024, the Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF) organized a thought-provoking Dialogue Session titled “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now”. The event, which brought together influential leaders, activists, and over 300 representatives from marginalized communities, aimed to highlight the importance of upholding human rights and promoting inclusivity.
Ms. Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Honorable Advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, graced the event as the Chief Guest. Her presence underscored the importance of environmental justice in the human rights discourse. Special guests included H.E. Nicolas Weeks, Ambassador of Sweden to Bangladesh, Ms. Corinne Henchoz Pignani, Chargée d’affaires at the Embassy of Switzerland, and the Director General of the NGO Affairs Bureau. Their participation signified global solidarity in advancing human rights.
An esteemed panel, including Barrister Sara Hossain, Dr. Sharmind Neelormi, and Dr. Tofail Ahmed, engaged with the audience, responding to questions and concerns raised by representatives from diverse marginalized groups, including persons with disabilities, indigenous communities, Dalits, transgender individuals, and youth. The discussion focused on pressing issues such as social inequality, environmental challenges, and the protection of vulnerable populations.
Throughout the event, participants presented a series of recommendations aimed at strengthening the implementation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. These recommendations, which reflect the needs and aspirations of marginalized communities, will be compiled by MJF and submitted to the current interim government.
The Dialogue Session provided a platform for meaningful conversations and reaffirmed the commitment of all attendees to the pursuit of human rights for all, emphasizing that the time to act is now.
