Respect for HR principles important to achieve development: Envoy

A panel discussion and film screening event took place on Thursday evening in the city that laid emphasis on respect for fundamental human rights principles which is important to achieve sustainable and inclusive development.

The Embassy of Switzerland in Bangladesh, the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the International Film Festival and Forum on Human Rights in Geneva (FIFDH) jointly organized the event.

It was arranged to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and to underline the importance of Human Rights particularly ahead of the 3rd Universal Periodic Review of Bangladesh.

Ambassador of Switzerland to Bangladesh Rene Holenstein and the UN Resident Coordinator Mia Seppo spoke at the event. 

Three eminent members of the civil society Khushi Kabir, Farah Kabir and Dr Iftekhar Zaman, took part in a panel discussion where the discussants focused on the women’s rights issues in Bangladesh. 

The panelists delved into exploring various challenges facing women in the society including violation of their human rights, discrimination and obstacles, among other issues. 

The panel discussion was followed by a lively interactive exchange with the audience. 

The event was widely attended by the young Bangladeshis, human rights and civil society activists and members of the diplomatic community.   

Lauding Bangladesh’s socio-economic achievements Ambassador Holenstein said respect for fundamental human rights principles is important to achieve sustainable and inclusive development. 

The UN stands ready to support, she said.

A Swiss film featuring gender rights issues was screened after the panel discussion. The event ended with a networking reception.   

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights even after 70 years of its adoption remains of unequivocal relevance. In order to celebrate this important occasion, the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, OHCHR and FIFDH have launched an international human rights film tour spreading over 45 countries.

The event in Dhaka was organized as part of this tour.  

Source: unb