Rizwana calls for legal protection of environmental HR defenders

Published : Saturday, 11 October, 2025 at 5:31 PM Count : 34

Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan on Saturday emphasized the urgent need for legal protection and institutional safeguards for environmental human rights defenders in Bangladesh, noting that such individuals are increasingly targeted with violence and even death globally.

Speaking at National Consultation on the Draft National Human Rights Commission Ordinance, 2025, held at a Dhaka hotel, Rizwana said the proposed ordinance is a strong and comprehensive legal framework.

However, its success will depend on how effectively the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is empowered, capacitated, and held accountable.

“Environmental defenders are facing escalating threats worldwide—a concern the United Nations has recognized. Our national laws must also acknowledge and respond to this growing crisis,” she said.

Rizwana commended the draft ordinance for addressing key areas like investigation, recommendations, compensation, training, arbitration and mediation, but cautioned that legal text alone is not enough.

“Just putting people in positions of authority will not deliver justice,” she remarked. “We must equip them with not only legal tools but also the soft values of human rights.”

She highlighted the importance of stronger coordination between the judiciary and human rights institutions, pointing out that despite court directives, enforcement often remains weak, leading to a lingering sense of helplessness.

Rizwana further stressed that the Commission’s recommendations should carry both moral and legal weight. “In a country like Bangladesh, moral authority matters; but there must also be enforceable mechanisms, especially for implementing arbitration and mediation outcomes.”

Offering suggestions to strengthen the draft law, she recommended expanding the definition of “person” to explicitly include government agencies and law enforcement bodies, a move she said is essential for ensuring accountability.

She also proposed creating a panel of lawyers within the Commission to enhance its investigative and advisory capabilities, along with regular performance evaluations.

The Environment Adviser added that the Human Rights Commission law should work in tandem with other proposed commissions; such as those on police reform, women’s rights, enforced disappearances and media freedom, to build a cohesive legal framework for human rights protection in Bangladesh.

Other speakers at the consultation included Dr. Asif Nazrul, Adviser to Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs; Adilur Rahman Khan, Adviser to Ministry of Housing and Public Works; Md. Asaduzzaman, Attorney General for Bangladesh; Reto Siegfried Renggli, Ambassador of Switzerland; Anders B. Karlsen, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Denmark and Stefan Liller, UNDP Resident Representative in Bangladesh.

FP/MI