Young people can play a crucial role in preventing torture, protecting human dignity and strengthening the rule of law, speakers said at a dialogue organized ahead of the United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture.
The discussion was jointly organized by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Bangladesh, the Association for the Prevention of Torture (APT) and the University of Dhaka at the university on June 22.
The event brought together students, academics, human rights practitioners and international experts to discuss torture prevention, institutional accountability and the protection of fundamental rights. Participants explored how young people can contribute to promoting human rights through research, civic engagement, public dialogue and advocacy.
Speaking at the program, Professor Muhammad Ekramul Haque, dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Dhaka, stressed the importance of ensuring the independence of oversight institutions.
He said: “Independent oversight institutions cannot effectively protect rights if they remain vulnerable to executive influence. Strengthening constitutional safeguards for the National Human Rights Commission would be an important step toward ensuring greater accountability and human rights protection in Bangladesh."
Swiss Ambassador to Bangladesh Reto Renggli highlighted the significance of Bangladesh’s accession to the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (OPCAT).
“Bangladesh’s accession to OPCAT represents a significant commitment to upholding human rights and safeguarding human dignity. Switzerland will continue to support efforts to strengthen independent institutions and human rights protection in the country,” he said.
Romana Schweiger, senior adviser on Rule of Law, Justice and Human Rights at UNDP, emphasized the need for collective efforts to prevent torture.
She said: “Ahead of the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, we are reminded of the suffering endured by survivors worldwide and of our collective responsibility to ensure that torture is never tolerated, justified or ignored."
Marie Lequin, director of Operations at the Association for the Prevention of Torture, said Bangladesh’s accession to OPCAT marks important progress but must be followed by concrete action.
“Bangladesh’s accession to OPCAT is an important step forward, but the promise becomes protection only when an effective national preventive mechanism is established. No country can do this alone, which is why we come together to learn from one another,” she said.
The program also featured presentations by Greg Heesom, Senior Human Rights Advisor at the Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions, and Yuyun Wahyuningrum, former Executive Director of ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights.
They discussed the independence and effectiveness of national human rights institutions, challenges in preventing torture and lessons from international experiences. Participants also examined the importance of monitoring places of detention and strengthening accountability mechanisms.
Observed annually on June 26, the United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture commemorates the entry into force of the United Nations Convention against Torture. The day serves as a global reminder that torture is a violation of human dignity and must be prevented under all circumstances.
Organizers said empowering young people with knowledge, practical insights and opportunities for dialogue is essential to nurturing a new generation committed to human rights, justice and the rule of law.