Law News
Urge to promote human rights education
Srabani Mia
The Faculty of Law, Dhaka International University (DIU) has organized a seminar on “Human Rights Education in Bangladesh” on 19 May 2012 at CIRDAP auditorium.
Professor Mizanur Rahman, Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of Bangladesh was the Chief Guest at the seminar while Professor M. Shah Alam, Chairman (Acting), Law Commission of Bangladesh was the Special Guest.
Dr. Uttam Kumar Das, Associate Professor and Dean (Acting), Faculty of Law, DIU has presented the key note paper.
Professor Mizan said that the Constitution of the country has guaranteed for major human rights incorporating those as fundamental rights; therefore, it is state's responsibilities to facilitate people's access to know and learn about their own human rights, and protect those rights as well. Without ensuring the human rights no state can achieve development, he said.
He reiterated that the NHRC is to create a human rights culture in the country through its advocacy and other activities. Professor Mizan also recommended for establishing model national law schools in the country to facilitate quality legal and human rights education. He also asked for pro-active role of Bangladesh Bar Council, University Grants Commission and Law Schools for bring a reform in the Legal Education which is now in a “disastrous situation.”
He informed that the NHRC is going to raise people's awareness on human rights with the participation of law students from both public and private universities. The NHRC is also initiating a campaign against violence against women and girls named “Brave Men Campaign.” It is to target boy's students to raise their awareness on gender equality and generate respects for their counterparts.
Prof. Dr. Shah Alam, Chairman (Acting) of Law Commission observed that without proper human rights education we cannot prevent and protect people's human rights. “We need a pool of well educated and skilled manpower to run our activities related to prevention and protection of human rights,” he said adding “For that expansion of Human Rights Education is a must.” He appreciated DIU for introducing a master's programme on Human Rights Law, first of its kind in the country.
Dr. Uttam Kumar Das, Associate Professor and Dean (Acting) of the Faculty of Law, DIU in his key note paper recommended for a National Policy on Human Rights Education, introduce Human Rights as an independent subject and interdisciplinary subjects under the Faculties of Arts, Social Sciences, and Law among others. He also underlined the importance to introduce practical aspects in legal and human rights education including clinical approaches.
The writer is student of Law at Stamford University.
