The increased commitment of the Government and existence of reputed NGOs have created a window of opportunity to strengthen the action and coordination between the different stakeholders. From a Swiss perspective, promotion of respect of HR is a priority and an essential part of achieving effective pro-poor socially inclusive governance. Switzerland is part of a coalition of like-minded countries (with Denmark, Sweden, and Norway).

The goal of the project is to improve protection and promotion of human rights in Bangladesh through capacity building for the Government, the National Human Rights Commission and the leading human rights NGOs, particularly to benefit disadvantaged and vulnerable groups such as the poor, women, children and ethnic minorities – ultimately improving the environment for the reduction of extreme poverty.

• The combined action of the NHRC and HR NGOs has increased knowledge of the people on their basic rights and enhanced their capabilities to take action against HR violation;
• The action of NHRC and NGOs has created pressure for enforced HR (with public education, information, advocacy and legal aid) and offered advice for improved legislation;
• The NHRC has become a serious, well functioning, independent, sufficiently staffed and internationally accredited body.

PA 1: UNDP and NHRC PA 2: Local NGO ASK

• The people of Bangladesh, with a specific focus on the poor, women and most marginalized segments of local communities.
• CBOs will be the primary participants, raising awareness among communities and assisting them in filing complaints to the NHRC.

• SDC has already supported the NHRC in a short previous phase (Partial Action 1 of the project). In the last months, the NHRC has strongly developed.
• The leading Bangladeshi HR NGO, which will be supported newly under Partial Action 2 of the project, has been subject to external evaluation and conducted the necessary strategic planning.