A look back at the Human Rights situation in Bangladesh

“Human rights is a universal standard. It is a component of every religion and every civilization.”

Shirin Ebadi

Bangladesh lies between India and Myanmar in South Asia. It is a country with a vibrant society and a parliamentary democracy. The country’s population is around 158 million[1].

There are many fundamental aspects that define a state, such as: the country’s economic and political situation or as in this opinion piece will discuss the human right situation. As the quote in the beginning of the article states: “Human rights is a universal standard”.

The work of local civil society organisations is essential in human rights documentation as they are the frontline workers who advocate for promotion of human rights and they shed light to the stories of the victims and survivors.  

As an example, for the past couple of years the Ain O Salish Kendra (a legal aid and human rights organisation, hereinafter: ASK) has held an annual press conferences where they shared the main results of their annual reports on the human rights situation in Bangladesh. I base this analysis on information taken from ASK’s documentation of newspaper articles and their own sources reflecting human rights violations and articles reporting on the earlier mentioned press conferences. 

This year one of the news articles said that the human rights situation has worsened in 2015. The question immediately rises: Compared to what? 2014? Or is there a bigger picture which allows us to look back for years?

Between 2013 and 2015, several articles highlighted different areas of human rights which showed that every year another field showed dramatic changes. Based on their report in 2015, there were several areas where there were significant deterioration, for example: repression on religious minorities, freedom of expression, violence against women and political violence.  I would like to highlight the following areas:

Violence against women and children is showing a growing tendency, especially in the field of sexual harassments. From 2014 to 2015 there was almost a 40% growth in the cases of domestic violence. It is also important to mention that acid attacks (ca. 35 cases) were highlighted during the press conference in 2015.

In terms of communal violence there are great differences from year to year. In 2013, there were 278 houses attacked, burnt or destroyed and then next year the number of similar cases 761. However, in 2015 there was a significant decrease in the number of reported cases down to 104.

Based on available numbers it is clear that there are serious human rights violations which need to be addressed. The local human rights organisations like ASK work hard to gather information and data that can be presented for the general public and organisations on a national and/or international while also advocating for the improvement of the human rights situation.

Below you can find a table which includes data gathered from articles and ASK’s HR monitoring reports. 

	2013	2014	2015
Political Clashes	848 [i]	664 [ii]	865[iii]
Communal violence	Houses: 278 Businesses: 208 Temples: 495 [iv]	Houses: 761 Businesses: 193 Temples: 247[v]	Houses: 104 Businesses: N/A Temples: 213[vi]
Violence against journalist	Deaths: 3 Assaults/ Harassments: 342[vii]	Deaths: 3 Assaults/ Harassments: 239[viii]	Deaths: 2 Assaults/ Harassments: 244[ix]
Violence Against Women	Rapes: 812 Deaths: 87 Domestic Violence: 385[x] Sexual Harassment: 182[xi] Acid attacks: 44[xii]	Rapes: 707[xiii] Deaths: 68 Domestic Violence: 488[xiv] Sexual Harassment: 146[xv] Acid attacks: 48[xvi]	Rapes: 846[xvii] Deaths: 60 Domestic Violence: 373[xviii] Sexual Harassment: 205[xix] Acid attacks: 35
Forced disappearances	53[xx]	88[xxi]	55[xxii]
Deaths in jail custody	60[xxiii]	29[xxiv]	69[xxv]
Mob beatings (Deaths)	127[xxvi]	127[xxvii]	135[xxviii]

Sources:

http://www.thedailystar.net/rights-situation-was-alarming-in-2013-4883

http://www.thedailystar.net/state-of-human-rights-alarming-57975

http://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/2016/jan/02/bangladesh-human-rights-situation-worsened-2015

http://www.askbd.org/

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[i] http://www.askbd.org/ask/2014/01/11/political-violence-january-31st-december-2013/

[ii] http://www.askbd.org/ask/2015/01/17/political-violence-2014/

[iii] http://www.askbd.org/ask/2016/01/07/political-violence-january-december-2015/

[iv] http://www.thedailystar.net/rights-situation-was-alarming-in-2013-4883

[v] http://www.thedailystar.net/state-of-human-rights-alarming-57975

[vi] http://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/2016/jan/02/bangladesh-human-rights-situation-worsened-2015

[vii] http://www.askbd.org/ask/2014/01/11/journalist-harassment-2013/

[viii] http://www.askbd.org/ask/2015/01/15/journalist-harassment-2014/

[ix] http://www.askbd.org/ask/2016/01/07/journalist-harassment-january-december-2015/

[x] http://www.askbd.org/ask/2014/01/11/domestic-violence-january-31-december-2013/

[xi] http://www.askbd.org/ask/2014/01/11/sexual-harassment-january-31-december-2013/

[xii] http://www.askbd.org/ask/2014/01/11/acid-attacks-january-31-december-2013/

[xiii] http://www.askbd.org/ask/2015/01/17/reported-cases-rape-2014/

[xiv] http://www.askbd.org/ask/2015/01/17/reported-incidents-domestic-violence-2014-2/

[xv] http://www.askbd.org/ask/2015/01/17/reported-incidents-sexual-harassment-2014/

[xvi] http://www.askbd.org/ask/2015/01/17/incidents-acid-violence-2014/

[xvii] http://www.askbd.org/ask/2016/01/07/rape-january-december-2015/

[xviii] http://www.askbd.org/ask/2016/01/07/domestic-violence-january-december-2015/

[xix] http://www.askbd.org/ask/2016/01/07/sexual-harassment-january-december-2015/

[xx] http://www.askbd.org/ask/2014/01/11/abduction-law-enforcement-agency-jan-31-december-2013/

[xxi] http://www.askbd.org/ask/2015/01/15/forced-disappearances-2014/

[xxii] http://www.askbd.org/ask/2016/01/07/enforced-disappearance-january-december-2015/

[xxiii] http://www.askbd.org/ask/2014/01/27/death-jail-custody-january-31-december-2013/

[xxiv] http://www.askbd.org/ask/2015/01/15/death-jail-custody-2014/

[xxv] http://www.askbd.org/ask/2016/01/07/deaths-jail-custody-january-december-2015/

[xxvi] http://www.askbd.org/ask/2013/12/12/123-died-lynch-mob-attacks-january-december-2013/

[xxvii] http://www.askbd.org/ask/2015/01/15/mob-beatings-2014/

[xxviii] http://www.askbd.org/ask/2016/01/07/mob-beating-january-december-2015/

[1] http://www.ghrd.org/fileadmin/user_upload/HR_Report_Bangladesh_2014.pdf

Communication for Change

Between 13th and 19th of November 2015, the Global Human Rights Defence organised a training titled ‘Communications for Change’, a 6 days training for 21 youth workers from seven different countries (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Croatia, Italy, Serbia, Slovakia and Ukraine). The aims of the training were to develop a strong communication strategy for youth workers and their organisations; to explore possible future partnership between the participating organisations; to organize projects focusing on improving the quality of youth work; to improve the capacity of youth workers in social media, online fundraising, campaigns and marketing and to allow the them to share best practices with other youth workers.

The training was an intensive six days presentations and workshops that mostly started at 10:00 to 19:00. It always consisted of presentations by trainers, workshops and role-playing. At the end of each day, the participants were divided into smaller groups for an evaluation session. The project officially started on Sunday, 13 September 2015 with the introduction to the training week and the objectives of it and followed by team building games.

                                   Communication Strategy training by GHRD project team

 On the following day, the participants had on Communication Strategy that was presented by GHRD team, followed by workshop on Introduction to Communication and Advocacy by UNOY (The United Network of Young Peacebuilders).

                           Introduction to Communication and Advocacy workshop by UNOY 

On the third day, the participants had a session on how to make a perfect pitch for their work and organisations. This session gave the opportunity to the participants to learn about guerrilla marketing through Elevator Pitch. The participants learned how to deliver the summary of their ideas to someone important (potential investors, clients, etc.) on an elevator ride, which approximately takes in thirty seconds to two minutes.

                                                         Brainstorming ideas 

 The following day, the workshop was presented by Enviu, a start-up company that focused on improving the quality of life of people in a sustainable way. This session gave the participants a practical insight into communication strategy in 5 stages, which are planning, preparation, implementation, evaluation and follow-up and decide the best way for each phase. In the end, every organisation had to present their own version of communications strategy for a project.

                                                     Team-building game in Mytikas

Next training was a visit to youth organisations who had successful approaches in working with young people through theatre and other creative means. For instance, one approach is to offer young people, who have dropped out of school, an alternative education through arts. The participants were engaged in a similar workshop which began with a team building game led by one of the coaches. The participants were also challenged to make a short play (approximately 5 minutes) with the topic on daily social problems, for example, school bullying.

The last day of the training was about storytelling through social media and online fundraising. These sessions were practical ones which included many discussions and practical examples on how to implement the learning outcomes directly to your work.

                                                      In the Communication Museum

Apart from presentations and workshops, the participants also had the chance to visit the Communication Museum. The visit to the Communication Museum, for instance, was aimed to show to the participants the impact of communication on daily life. In this museum, the participants could enjoy designs, secret messages, expeditions, facts and a touch of nostalgia.

                                                       Ukrainian food and drink

One of the unique programmes of the ‘Communication for Change’ training was the Intercultural Evening. This programme gave the participants the opportunity to introduce typical drinks and food from their country and other items as well, such as pictures, music, typical clothing, etc.

                                   Participants from Croatia with their cultural presentation

                                                          Serbian and Croatian desks

Participants from every country had to deliver a brief presentation about their countries and to explain drinks, food and items that they brought from home, followed by a food tasting. Participants from Croatia arranged a small interactive quiz; they gave souvenirs to people who could answer questions about their country.

                                                   GHRD team, Anna and Jasper, 
                                      were introducing typical Dutch snacks and sweets

                                                                     Armenian desk 

Furthermore, Ukrainian participants introduced their folk dance that was demonstrated together. As a host, GHRD team also had the chance to give a presentation about the Netherlands. They introduced typical Dutch snacks and sweets and also arranged a small quiz for the participants.

Global Hands Erasmus+ training ‘’Integration through Action’’

I participated on behalf of Global Human Rights Defence in a 6-day training for 25 youth workers from eleven different European countries . The training entitled 'Integration through Action' was organised by Global Hands at De Montfort University in Leicester, United Kingdom. During the training we were introduced to the concept of Social Rights in Europe as well as issues of racism and stereotyping. The seminar stimulated us to develop key skills related to these topics through non-formal education methods and we got familiar with interactive methods to engage with young people across Europe, especially those on the margins of society, who often find it difficult to access their social rights. The seminar has given me valuable theoretical and practical tools and insights in the topic, and it has truly been an unforgettable experience.

On the day of our arrival, the project was officially opened by Marco and Momodou, the facilitators during the week of training. The location, which looked like a trendy lounge, immediately ensured a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere for the ‘getting to know each other’-games.

During the following days we created mind maps, posters and presentations on several topics in the field of integration, played instructive games related to stereotyping and prejudice and expanded our theoretical knowledge through lectures – all in a non-formal education setting.

The intercultural evening proved the perfect opportunity to introduce Dutch cookies and sweets (the stroopwafels were a hit –of course) and a typical Dutch game: koekhappen. 

One of the highlights of the Erasmus+ training was the ‘local realities day’, during which we visited the Racial Equality Centre and a Gurdwara, a Sikh temple, in Leicester. It was truly special to experience a Sikh wedding ceremony.

Each and every one of our group participated in the – sometimes heated – discussions we had on topics such as stereotyping, racism and integration. Even though we all live in the European Union, and may sometimes be neighboring countries, the issues we face differ significantly.

At the end of the training week, each group developed and designed their own project. Our masterpiece was entitled ‘Equality and Diversity’, and given our faces we were very proud of the team effort.

Despite the many cultural differences, we had one thing in common: our group loved to dance. Here we are practising an Angolan dance, which was definitely an interesting experience

The 10 most homophobic and transphobic quotes by politicians

Global Human Rights Defence presents the wall of shame: an exposé of 10 of the most homophobic and transphobic quotes by politicians from all over the world. These quotes are so shocking that it beggars belief they were uttered at all, least of all by politicians!

1.       “If you come here, you'll see homosexuals from Europe and America are luring our children into homosexuality by distributing cell phones and iPods and things like this, and I can explain to you what I really want to do. To kill every last gay person”[1]

Ugandan Member of Parliament David Mahati expressed his thoughts in an interview with journalist and gay rights activist Jeff Sharlet in 2010. Mahati proposed the country’s controversial anti-homosexuality law that criminalises homosexual acts and introduces prison terms for those who do not report a homosexual. On 20 December 2013, the Uganda Anti-Homosexuality Act was passed despite severe resistance from the international community.

Link to trailer ‘’Call me Kuchu’’: https://vimeo.com/27391482

2.       ‘’I think that kind of disregard for the God-endowed natural rights of human being is the archetype of all crimes against humanity. And I think we have an entire elite faction that is now committed to committing such a crime against the American people’’[2]

American political activist and perennial presidential candidate Alan Keyes equated gay marriage with crimes against humanity. Salient detail:  Keyes’ daughter Maya Marcel-Keyes was fired as her father’s consultant and was left homeless after coming out as a lesbian to her family. At the moment, Maya is a social and political activist and involved in the gay rights movement in the United States.

3.       "Those miserable people want Iran to recognize f*****"[3]

In his sermon, the Iranian Ayatollah and member of the Assembly of Experts Movahedi Kermani focused, in unmistakable terms, attention on the Western tolerance of homosexuality after a resolution was adopted by the European Parliament to intensify contact between the EU and the Islamic Republic of Iran. Kermani was seconded by the Commander-in-Chief of the Basij morality militia Nagdi, who claimed that "the European Union is worse than grazing livestock. They demand that we recognize homosexuality, which is something even the beasts in the wilderness refuse to do to each other."

4.       "If two men have a right to marry, how can we deny the same right to two siblings? Are we to authorise incest?"[4]

The rate of repellent and groundless statements continues. This quote of UKIP MEP Roger Helmer is a fine example of the stance of this right-wing political party from the United Kingdom. UKIP’s leader Nigel Farage defended a parliamentary candidate who referred to homosexuals as ‘’disgusting old poofters” by stating that you people are ‘’very snobbish […] about condemning people, perhaps for the colloquial language we use’’. Gay marriage seems to be a sensitive issue as two UKIP MPs even had to resign after openly supporting gay marriage.

5.       "A man such as myself can walk into the bathroom at LA Fitness while women are taking showers, changing, and simply walk in there. If I feel like a woman that day, I can be allowed to be in that locker room.”[5]

Republican member of the Florida House of Representatives Frank Artiles in support of a bill that would make it illegal for an individual of one biological sex to enter a single-sex restroom or changing room designated for the opposite sex—even if the individual self-identifies as a person who belongs there.

6.       "Gay sex is not natural and we cannot support something which is unnatural"[6]

In the run up to the Indian elections of 2014, President of the Hindu nationalist BJP Rajnath Singh shed light on the party’s point of view on homosexuality. This was backed by BJP’s spokesperson Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi who said ‘’we can’t bring Western culture into our society and culture’’. Though, the party came up with an unexpected place to spread their campaign message: the gay dating app Grindr. Prime-Ministerial candidate Modi’s picture was visible on Grindr with the encouraging message to vote BJP.

7.        “Don’t misunderstand me. I am not here bashing people who are homosexuals, who are lesbians, who are bisexual, who are transgender. We need to have profound compassion for people who are dealing with the very real issue of sexual dysfunction in their life and sexual identity disorders.” [7]

Michele Bachmann comments on homosexuality as a mental disorder, speaking at EdWatch National Education Conference in 2004. She is the founder of the US House of Representatives’ Tea Party Caucus, belongs to a denomination of the Lutheran Church and has been a foster parent to 23 children. In 2004, Michele Bachmann, then Minnesota State Senator Bachmann, attempted to get an anti-gay marriage amendment on the Minnesota ballot at a voter referendum to write discrimination directly into her state’s constitution.

8.       "Such people are the curse of society and social garbage. They don't deserve to be Muslim or Pakistani, and the support and protection announced by the US administration for them is the worst social and cultural terrorism against Pakistan"[8]

This was stated by the Islamist party Jamaat-e-Islami in response to an event on gay rights that was hosted by the US embassy in Pakistan. Just like Bangladesh, Pakistan outlaws gay sex. Despite this institutional ban and clerics denouncing homosexuality as sinful behaviour, underground parties for homosexuals and marriages of convenience between same-sex partners are among the many surprises the Islamic Republic of Pakistan offers.

9.       ‘’Homosexuality is anti-god, anti-human, and anti-civilization. Homosexuals are not welcome in the Gambia. If we catch you, you will regret why you are born. I have buffalos from South Africa and Brazil and they never date each other. We are ready to eat grass but we will not compromise on this. Allowing homosexuality means allowing satanic rights. We will not allow gays here.’’[9]

This is one of the many anti-gay statements of Gambian president Yahya Jammeh. While calling for continued peace in Gambia, the same country considers homosexuality a criminal offence and the President has expressed his support for this law "If you are convicted of homosexuality in this country, there will be no mercy for offenders."

10.   ‘’If you take men and lock them in a house for five years and tell them to come up with two children and they fail to do that, then we will chop off their heads.”[10]

President Mugabe of Zimbabwe – a country where homosexuality is declared illegal by law - has his own way of emphasising that homosexuality will destroy our lineage. Adding that ‘’Imagine this son born out of an African father, (US President Barrack) Obama says if you want aid, you should accept the homosexuality practice. Aah, we will never do that.”

These 10 appalling and shameful statements from politicians around the world show there is still significant opposition to providing equal rights to LGBT people. Globally, the LGBT community faces a huge risk of marginalisation and violence. At this moment homosexual activity is illegal and thereby punishable in 78 countries[11], which comes down to 78 countries too many, according to Global Human Rights Defence. We believe human rights are universal and inalienable in nature and apply to every single person.

Even though this article can be considered a political wall of shame, Global Human Rights Defence remains committed to provide equal rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people. Do you want to support our cause? Think of a positive quote to counterbalance the previous ones and share, post or tweet it with #WallofLGBTpride.

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[1] http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=129422524

[2] http://www.rightwingwatch.org/content/keyes-marriage-equality-archetype-all-crimes-against-humanity

[3] http://www.huffingtonpost.com/hossein-alizadeh/iran-homophobia-as-politi_b_5175596.html

[4] http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2012/dec/15/nigel-farage-ukip-anti-gay-groups

[5] http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2015/03/transgender-bathroom-discrimination-bills

[6] http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Homosexuality-not-natural-wont-back-it-BJP-chief/articleshow/27377472.cms

[7] http://www.thenewcivilrightsmovement.com/michele-bachmanns-top-ten-anti-gay-quotes/politics/2011/06/02/21233

[8] http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-14010106

[9] http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/02/yahya-jammeh-homosexuals-gambia_n_3000249.html

[10] https://www.newsday.co.zw/2013/07/25/mugabe-chides-homosexuals-again/

[11] http://old.ilga.org/Statehomophobia/ILGA_SSHR_2014_Eng.pdf