APF supports Bangladeshi NHRI on national inquiry into gender-based violence
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The APF has provided advice and support to the NHRC in relation to its upcoming national inquiry into gender-based violence.
The APF has provided advice and support to the National Human Rights Commission of Bangladesh (NHRC), in relation to its upcoming national inquiry into gender-based violence.
As part of its ongoing support, the APF participated in the Consultation Meeting on the National Inquiry into Preventing Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) and Rape, organised by the NHRC in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the APF.
The virtual meeting, held on 13 April, was attended by members of the national inquiry committee, with special guests including the NHRC Chairperson, Nasima Begum, and NHRC Honorary Member and convener of the national inquiry, Jesmin Ara Begum.
The APF was represented by Pip Dargan, Principal Adviser, Capacity Assessments and International Engagement, and Rosslyn Noonan, APF NHRI Expert Consultant.
The APF is pleased to support our member by providing expert advice on the conduct of a national inquiry that focuses on violence against women and children
In continuing its support, the APF facilitated an online session on 26 April, bringing together the NHRC and the Office of the Ombudsman of Samoa, which undertook a national inquiry into family violence in 2017.
During the session, Loukinikini Vili-Lewaravu, Director of Human Rights at the Office of the Ombudsman, delivered a detailed presentation on the national inquiry process, including the planning and consultation phases, the launch of the formal report, and the roll-out of the implementation plan.
Violence against women and girls is one of the most widespread human rights violations across the globe. In Bangladesh, research shows that 72.6 percent of women experience violence during their lifetime.
Data also reveals that since the outbreak of COVID, violence against women and girls has increased in Bangladesh and around the world.
The planned national inquiry to be undertaken by the NHRC will include a public investigation into VAWC, with a specific focus on rape, as a systemic human rights problem.
The aim is to identify the causes, patterns and challenges of VAWC and to produce a public report with recommend measures to empower victims, their families and affected communities.
Date: 29 April 2021