Stand up for human rights

Freedom of expression and press freedom are important benchmarks for human rights in any society, said Swiss Ambassador Dr René Holenstein yesterday.

The ambassador made the remarks at a panel discussion on human rights in Chattogram. Dr Holenstein also highlighted the important role of civil society, rights defenders and journalists in promoting human rights.

To celebrate the 70th anniversary of Universal Declaration of Human Rights and highlight the importance of protecting human rights, the Swiss embassy, Office of the United Nations Resident Coordinator and Steps Towards Development organised the event, said a press release.

Senior Human Rights Adviser to the UN Resident Coordinator Heike Alefsen noted that “the importance of the universal declaration cannot be overemphasised. It puts countries on the road to rights, sustainable development and justice for all, leading away from discrimination and violence”.

Participants at the event expressed their strong commitment to human rights.

Award winning Swiss film “Sonita” featuring women's rights issues was screened at the event.

Nagorik Uddyog Chief Executive Zakir Hossain, women's rights activist Jasmeen Sultana Paru and Ismail Mintu, who represented the young Bangladeshis, took part in the panel discussion, moderated by Steps Executive Director Ranjan Karmaker.

Rights activists and a large number of youths, mainly university students, attended the event.

The event in Chattogram is part of an international human rights film tour in over 45 countries organised by the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, UN office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and UN country teams, the International Film Festival and Forum on Human Rights in Geneva.

Since May 2018, the film tour has successfully travelled to six major cities in the country, including Dhaka, Rangpur, Khulna, Rajshahi, Barishal and now Chattogram.