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10 December 2023
UNODC Facilitates Inaugural Workshop on Border Management Assessment to Counter Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling
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10 December 2023
GLO.ACT-Bangladesh Strengthens National Efforts with Consultation on Comprehensive Trafficking in Persons Data Collection System
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10 December 2023
UNODC's Interactive Two-Week Training Strengthens Responses to Smuggling of Migrants by Sea
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The Sustainable Development Goals in Bangladesh
The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in Bangladesh:
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04 December 2023
Disability Inclusion Matters: Staff Voice from Bangladesh
Celebrated on 3 December every year, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) recognizes the importance of inclusion in life and in the workplace. This day of observation reminds us that that people with disabilities cannot be left behind if the sustainable development goals are to be achieved. Mohammad Jahidul Islam, who joined UNFPA Bangladesh as UNV National Disability Coordinator in 2022and has recently been promoted as a full-time national staff in November this year sat down with us at his office in Dhaka and discussed his aspirations and his career.
Can you share about what or who was your inspiration to join the UN was and some of your experiences in your career path?
My inspiration to enter the non-profit sector and engage with the UN stems from my personal journey with disability. Affected by polio at the age of two, I have lived my entire life in a wheelchair, facing the challenges and discrimination prevalent in society. Recognizing that my experiences were not unique. I became impassioned to advocate for the rights of individuals with disabilities.
The dream of working for the UN was fueled by my belief in its potential to drive positive change for people with disabilities worldwide. My journey, from personal adversity to active advocacy and volunteer work has fueled my aspiration to contribute to the UN's mission of creating a more inclusive and equitable world.
What kinds of inequalities and discrimination do you think people with disabilities in Bangladesh face?
People with disabilities face inequalities and discrimination, intricately intertwined with both the disability type and gender of the person in this country. Accessibility barriers persist prominently, impeding physical mobility and participation in societal activities.
Disparities further manifest in employment. Mental health stigma adds another layer of complexity, contributing to the marginalization of those with psychosocial disabilities.
What have you found to be the biggest obstacle, or obstacles, in your line of education & work?
The paramount obstacle in my education and career journey stems from the pervasive issue of accessibility. As a wheelchair user, every academic institution I attended in Bangladesh posed accessibility challenges.
Workplaces, both past and present, have consistently presented accessibility challenges. The current workplace, specifically the UN building itself, lacks adequate accessibility infrastructure. I face challenges every day with my wheelchair.
Can you please describe your role at UNFPA, UNV and UN in Bangladesh?
In my role as the National Disability Coordinator at UNFPA, I spearhead the coordination of disability inclusion programs, enhancing the organization's humanitarian efforts for increased accessibility. A pivotal aspect of my responsibilities involves crafting a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for UNFPA's disability inclusion initiatives. I actively engage in fostering UN collaboration on disability inclusion and contribute to the development of climate change projects at UNFPA, specifically creating modules tailored for health professionals.
Simultaneously, in my capacity as a UN Volunteer (UNV), in 2022, I champion the promotion of volunteering initiatives geared toward advancing disability inclusion within the UN System.
What is the potential and impact of UN’s work in disability inclusion to change mindsets and norms around issues such as disability and beyond?
The UN's commitment to disability inclusion, grounded in principles like Leaving No One Behind (LNOB), the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) Article 25, and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), holds immense potential to reshape societal mindsets and norms. The LNOB principle underscores the imperative to address the needs of the most marginalized, including persons with disabilities, ensuring their active participation in all spheres of life. UDHR Article 25, emphasizing the right to health, aligns with disability inclusion efforts. By recognizing health as a fundamental right, the UN sets the stage for comprehensive health services and accessibility, directly benefiting individuals with disabilities.
By championing these principles, the UN contributes to changing societal perceptions of disability. Through awareness campaigns, policy advocacy, and inclusive practices, the UN fosters a shift from viewing disabilities as impediments to recognizing them as facets of diversity and strength.
What do you feel has played the greatest role in changing social perceptions of people with disabilities, at multiple intersections? Is there somebody, in Bangladesh, who is doing it well that you would like to give credit to?
By highlighting achievements and capabilities across various intersections, societal attitudes shift from viewing disability as a limitation to recognizing it as an integral aspect of human diversity. Visibility through media representation, inclusive policies, and advocacy has played a pivotal role. BI would like to mention two people. Mr. Vashkar Bhattacharya, a visually impaired person, and Ashrafun Nahar Misti, a wheelchair user, for their commendable contributions to disability inclusion in Bangladesh. Mr. Bhattacharya's work has been pivotal in advocating for accessibility and technology solutions for persons with visual impairment. Meanwhile, Ms. Misti's efforts have been instrumental in challenging barriers faced by women with disabilities and promoting inclusivity in various facets of society. Their dedication and achievements stand as inspiring examples of individuals making significant strides toward a more inclusive and equitable Bangladesh.
What do you feel has played the greatest role in changing social perceptions of people with disabilities, at multiple intersections? Is there somebody, in Bangladesh, who is doing it well that you would like to give credit to?
By highlighting achievements and capabilities across various intersections, societal attitudes shift from viewing disability as a limitation to recognizing it as an integral aspect of human diversity. Visibility through media representation, inclusive policies, and advocacy has played a pivotal role. BI would like to mention two people. Mr. Vashkar Bhattacharya, a visually impaired person, and Ashrafun Nahar Misti, a wheelchair user, for their commendable contributions to disability inclusion in Bangladesh. Mr. Bhattacharya's work has been pivotal in advocating for accessibility and technology solutions for persons with visual impairment. Meanwhile, Ms. Misti's efforts have been instrumental in challenging barriers faced by women with disabilities and promoting inclusivity in various facets of society. Their dedication and achievements stand as inspiring examples of individuals making significant strides toward a more inclusive and equitable Bangladesh.
Any concluding thoughts?
In conclusion, my journey reflects resilience amid challenges. From overcoming barriers as a person with a disability to actively shaping disability inclusion at the UNFPA and in the greater UN system my commitment is unwavering. Through these experiences, I strive to inspire a transformative shift, fostering inclusivity and diversity at every level.
Jahidul’s work to promote a fundamental shift in commitment, both in financing and action, is inspirational. More efforts– will be required to adapt Bangladesh’s fiscal policies, infrastructure, welfare services, education system and human rights practices so that we can have an even more diverse, inclusive workplace. Our efforts to keep the SDGs on track for, with and by persons with disabilities, thus need to be intensified and accelerated, both in the communities we work with and our UN system.
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28 November 2023
United Nations in Bangladesh and Youth Representatives Discuss Action to Advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals In Bangladesh
Yesterday youth representatives participated in the “UN Roundtable Dialogue with Young People: Engaging Youth for Sustainable Development” at Dhaka on 27 November 2023. This roundtable with Bangladeshi youth was a part of the UN system’s wider efforts to help youth pitch Bangladesh’s efforts to achieve sustainable development.
Senior management from the 16 resident UN agencies in Bangladesh, including Gwyn Lewis, UN Resident Coordinator; and Susan Vize, Representative UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization); attended the roundtable along with young people from the UN Adolescent and Youth Technical Working Group; representatives from youth-led organizations; young activists and change makers; members of the National Youth Council; youth in academia and think tanks; and various young UN program personnel.
The roundtable provided an opportunity to build on, and take forward, the recommendations, relating to youth engagement, that came out of the SDG Summit that took place on 18-19 September 2023 in New York. The Summit marked the halfway point to the deadline set for achieving the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals. It marked the beginning of a new phase of accelerated progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals with high-level political guidance on transformative and accelerated actions leading up to 2030. The SDG Summit reviewed areas where progress was needed globally towards achieving the SDGs had been stalled or even reversed. For Bangladesh, these included the following key areas of education, digital transformation, and climate change. The UN must engage young people to ensure that they can engage extensively in initiatives for the realization of the 2030 Agenda in these areas.
The UN Resident Coordinator spoke, emphasizing the need to engage and empower young people to advance sustainable development in Bangladesh. She said: “The UN has actively worked in partnership with youth organizations, movements, and networks to promote a shift that empowers young people and puts their views at the heart of sustainable development in Bangladesh. By involving young people in shaping development programs, their aspirations can be considered, and innovative solutions harnessed for a sustainable future for all Bangladeshis.”
Susan Vize, Representative of UNESCO and Chair of the UN Adolescent and Youth Technical Working Group stated “Youth show extraordinary strength, leadership, and resilience. They urgently need to be better supported and seen as development actors rather than beneficiaries. The world should not and cannot afford to limit the potential of young people in development processes.”
The attendees briefly reviewed 2023 SDG Summit outcomes and recommendations; youth representatives and UN management discussed issues including Change Vulnerabilities; Education Transformation; Digital Skills and Innovations for a Smart Bangladesh; and how youth could contribute to these areas. Participants also recommended specific actions, projects, or initiatives that could be undertaken by UN agencies and young people to mitigate SDG-related challenges in Bangladesh.
Following this event, the United Nations will be seeking ways to strengthen the integration of youth-led solutions within its program and to provide additional opportunities for dialogue on other aspects of SDG implementation.
For more information and media enquiries, please contact:
Anahita Ahmed, Public Information Officer, UNIC
United Nations Resident Coordinator's Office
anahita.ahmed@un.org; +8801302700765
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06 December 2023
UNICEF and ICC partner with 10 cricket teams during the World Cup to inspire girls and boys to avail equal opportunities in play and life
NEW DELHI, 3 November 2023: The English cricket team played cricket with 50 children today in Ahmedabad to promote equal rights and opportunities for girls and boys.
The clinic with England marked the conclusion of a series of 10 cricket clinics organised with teams participating in the 2023 World Cup in India, as part of a global partnership between UNICEF and ICC.
Cricket teams from Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka and the Netherlands played cricket with 50 young boys and girls each at stadiums in Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Dharamsala, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai , New Delhi, and Pune from 10 October to 3 November 2023. During these clinics, each team guided the children, especially girls, through a game of cricket.
“Cricket can move millions of people and play a vital role in inspiring girls and boys. So, we thought it only fitting to use the influence it wields, especially during the Cricket World Cup, to advocate for equal rights for both girls and boys,” said Sanjay Wijesekera, UNICEF South Asia Regional Director. “Life isn’t always easy for girls in South Asia. The region is home to one-third of the world’s adolescent girls, yet they lag behind in too many aspects of life. For a girl, the clinic creates a lasting memory that can inspire them to persevere against all odds.”
In South Asia, 1 in every 5 girls is undernourished. More than half of adolescent girls are anaemic. Only 36 per cent of girls have completed secondary school. In addition, South Asia accounts for nearly half of the world’s child brides.
The clinics were designed to help young girls and boys learn valuable skills that can help them become more confident, work together and be leaders in the future. Priyanka and Shabnam were two girls who attended the cricket clinic with the Afghanistan cricket team at the Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium on 13 October in New Delhi.
“We got a chance to play with the entire team. Everyone was easy to get along with. We assumed they would be strict. It felt great overall,” said Priyanka.
“It was a great experience being here today and meeting the team. They gave us tips on having the right position and techniques for playing. I really enjoyed it,” said Shabnam.
“It was wonderful to come here and meet Rashid Khan. I had previously seen him only on television, but I now got a chance to meet him and the team in person for the first time,” said Vikas.
“Be a champion, play cricket. Doesn’t matter if you are a boy or a girl,” said Naveen-ul-Haq, the Afghan bowler who had some inspiring words for the children.
On 18 October, the Pakistan cricket team led by star wicket keeper and batsman Mohammad Rizwan, accompanied by team members Iftikhar Ahmad, Hassan Ali, Usama Mir, Haris Rauf and Agha Salman played cricket with 50 children of India’s Karnataka state at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
On 19 October, the children had a thrilling day when they met star cricketers from the Australian national cricket team who were in Bengaluru for a World Cup match. The team was led by the Australian cricket captain Pat Cummins and his teammates David Warner, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Marcus Stoinis, Josh Hazelwood, Mitchell Starc and the team’s support staff. The children met, played, joked, laughed, and learned cricket as well as life lessons such as team building and leadership. They asked questions, got answers, and received autographs on their t-shirts and caps from the cricketers, and even had a pep talk from UNICEF Australia Ambassador, Pat Cummins, on what it takes to survive the challenges in life and succeed.
Pat Cummins also visited a primary school in Lucknow, India, to see how UNICEF’s learning-by-doing programme is making a real difference to students in the community. The programme encourages children to stay in school by teaching them practical skills, like building solar cookers or turning plastic rubbish into toys.
On 27 October, players from Bangladesh, led by their captain Shakib-Al Hasan, shared tips with the children on how to bowl, bat and field.
“It felt good to have played with boys. I felt at par with the boys to play with the international cricketers,” said Sneha Mondal after the brief practice session.
Shuvam Rajwar, a speech and hearing-impaired boy, said with the help of an interpreter, that this practice was useful to learn how to play in a team during a match. “I learnt to negotiate and take decisions with my team members,” he said.
On 28 October, 50 children from various schools in Pune played cricket with the Sri Lankan cricket team at MCA stadium in Gahunje, Pune. Excited after the event, Swaranjali Dhavade said it was a memorable event. " I enjoyed today's event very much. It was the first time I got to meet and play with the Sri Lankan players. I have only seen them on television so far. They encouraged us to play and exercise on a daily basis,” she said.
On 31 October 2023, the Indian cricket team met around 50 children from Bharat Scouts and Guide from Mumbai at Wankhede Stadium.
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05 December 2023
UNICEF and the International Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh partner to advance children’s well-being in Bangladesh
DHAKA, 31 October 2023 – The International Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (ICC-B) and UNICEF launched a new partnership to address the challenges impacting children in Bangladesh and reinforce a shared commitment towards the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
During the launch event, ICC-B President, Mahbubur Rahman, and UNICEF Representative to Bangladesh, Sheldon Yett, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) committing to work together to leverage expertise, mobilize resources, and collaborate to protect and promote children’s rights in Bangladesh, including during emergencies and disasters.
“Thank you to UNICEF for taking the initiative to collaborate with the private sector for the well-being of children in Bangladesh. We are proud to strengthen our cooperation with UNICEF to turn aspirations of the global goals into actions in Bangladesh,” said Mr. Mahbubur Rahman, President, ICC-B. “To attain the Sustainable Development Goals by 2023, it is very necessary to invest in children now to equip them with the resources and skills to face future challenges. It is crucial to urgently prioritise our investment, particularly in health, nutrition, education, and other economic sectors key for children.”
“Children in Bangladesh are buffeted by multiple simultaneous crises. Approximately one in three children in Bangladesh, nearly 20 million children, for example, are affected by the direct impact of climate change. Both the state and the private sector need to invest to help children grow to their full potential,” said Mr. Sheldon Yett, UNICEF Representative to Bangladesh. “When businesses put forth innovative ideas and leverage resources to invest in children, we improve the lives of every child, drive economic growth, and shape the future of Bangladesh. Our partnership with the International Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh will help to tackle the challenges children face, strengthen cooperation around the Sustainable Development Goals, and help drive a brighter future for every child in Bangladesh.”
With robust global networks and shared interests in sustainable development, the two organizations are uniquely positioned to join hands and address the most urgent crises that children in Bangladesh confront. Both will work together to harness collective strengths and tackle barriers preventing children in Bangladesh from surviving, thriving, and fulfilling their potential.
In September 2022, serving as an umbrella global partnership for the MoU signed today, during the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, the Chair of the ICC, Maria Fernanda Garza, and UNICEF Executive Director, Catherine Russell, signed a Memorandum of Understanding committed to protecting children from the impact of conflict, climate change, and the COVID-19 pandemic and strengthening cooperation around the Sustainable Development Agenda.
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01 December 2023
Latest Bangladesh Labour Force Survey incorporates first-ever disability data
The Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) has published the Labour Force Survey 2022, incorporating for the first time ever, indicators for measuring disability inclusivity, a major step towards ensuring no one is left behind.
In 2021, BBS in consultation with Organization of Person with Disabilities (OPDs) and with technical assistance from the International Labour Organisation (ILO), adopted and incorporated a disability module based on the globally accepted “Washington Group Questionnaire’’, which was designed to standardize the collection of disability data in national labour force surveys.
“The addition of disability indicators to Bangladesh’s labour force data is a major milestone for understanding inclusivity in the country’s labour market and for ensuring that no one is left behind when implementing the Employment Policy adopted last year,” said Tuomo Poutiainen, ILO’s Country Director for Bangladesh.
The Bureau of Statistics adopted international standards and practices in identifying persons with disabilities assessing the difficulties with which they perform basic activities to determine their functionality in the labour market.
This generated useful gender disaggregated insights on the numbers of persons with disabilities within the country’s labor force, their employment and unemployment rates, whether they have official recognition and receive any social protection and economic benefits from the government.
“This survey will truly work as a mirror of development by reflecting the picture of labour market development of the country. Therefore, the development of the labour sector is synonymous with the development of the country,” said M A Manan, Bangladesh’s Minister, Ministry of Planning.
The Bangladesh Labour Force Survey generates up to date data on various facets of employment and unemployment, including youth employment, women participation in the labour market, migrant labour, and most recently, disability inclusivity, in line with international labour concepts, definitions and methodologies.
The 2022 survey involved a sample of 30,816 households across all 64 Districts of the country.
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10 December 2023
UNODC Facilitates Inaugural Workshop on Border Management Assessment to Counter Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling
Globally long and porous borders are conducive to the international transfer of trafficking victims and smuggled migrants. The 2022 UNODC Global Report on Trafficking in Persons found that people of all genders and age groups especially women are at risk of cross-border trafficking. To address border management responding to trafficking in persons (TIP) and smuggling of migrants (SOM), dedicated research and analysis are required to ensure interventions are aligned with the national laws and Government priorities.
The First National Study on Trafficking in Persons in Bangladesh recommended implementing crime prevention measures to identify risk factors of TIP and SOM which includes cross-border response. In light of this context, UNODC under the framework of the Global Action against Trafficking in Persons and the Smuggling of Migrants-Bangladesh (GLO.ACT-Bangladesh) organized a workshop on the scope of assessment on border management to address TIP and SOM on 18 October 2023.
The workshop was opened by Ishita Rony, Deputy Secretary of the Public Security Division of Ministry of Home Affairs and Deputy Project Director of GLO.ACT-Bangladesh. She provided an overview of the initiatives of the Government of Bangladesh responding to TIP and commented, “A strong border management strategy serves as the first line of defense in preventing these crimes by identifying and intercepting potential victims and perpetrators.”
Welcome remarks from UNODC and IOM were provided by Mahdy Hassan, National Programme Coordinator of UNODC, and Fathima Nusrath Ghazzali, Officer-in-Charge of IOM Bangladesh respectively. Focusing on group discussion, the workshop aimed to collect and collate information on border management to address TIP and SOM. The participants were divided into four groups with mixed participation.
The groups engaged in different thematic areas including existing institutional and legal framework, stakeholder analysis, TIP and SOM by sea, and capacity-building needs and priorities. The group discussion was followed by presentations from each group. During the presentation, the participants were able to share their inputs in a structured manner with the help of guided questionnaires. Afterwards Ms Rony concluded the workshop by thanking all the participants for their extensive insights and recommendations. As the next step, the responses gathered from the workshop and the compilation will serve as the foundation of the assessment report on border management to address TIP and SOM in Bangladesh.
39 participants (10 female, 29 male) from different ministries, branches of Police, border agencies and UN agencies joined the workshop.
To know more about UNODC GLO.ACT-Bangladesh, please visit -
https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/human-trafficking/glo-act3/index.html
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10 December 2023
GLO.ACT-Bangladesh Strengthens National Efforts with Consultation on Comprehensive Trafficking in Persons Data Collection System
The First National Study on Trafficking in Persons in Bangladesh has identified opportunities for improving data collection and analysis on trafficking in persons (TIP) in the country by leveraging existing reporting structures. Building upon the policy recommendation to establish a national reporting system on TIP, UNODC, under the Global Action against Trafficking in Persons and the Smuggling of Migrants-Bangladesh (GLO.ACT-Bangladesh) project, collaborated with the Public Security Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs to organize a national consultation workshop on data collection for the annual country report on human trafficking in Bangladesh on 8 June 2023.
The objective of the consultation was to take inputs from relevant stakeholders to develop a web-based data collection mechanism which can support in developing an analytical country report on human trafficking. Khairul Alam Shiekh, Additional Secretary, Public Security Division, Ministry of Home Affairs & GLO.ACT-Bangladesh project director, and Ishita Rony, Deputy Secretary, Public Security Division, Ministry of Home Affairs & GLO.ACT-Bangladesh Deputy Project Director joined the consultation as the chief guest and chairperson respectively.
On behalf of UNODC, Marco Teixeira, Regional Representative of UNODC South Asia, extended a warm welcome to the Government of Bangladesh for their efforts in developing a comprehensive reporting mechanism on TIP. He urged all participants to maximize the utilization of relevant UNODC research papers, policy briefs, and the 2022 UNODC Global Report on TIP (GLOTIP report).
During the substantive sessions, the findings of the GLOTIP report and the first National Study on Trafficking in Persons (TIP) in Bangladesh were shared, along with the proposed national database on human trafficking and a draft template for data collection. Subsequently, the participants actively participated in dedicated group discussions focused on policy guidelines, content, data sources and needs, and tools for the proposed national database. The following suggestions emerged from the group presentations:
The annual country report should incorporate the national plan of action on human trafficking progress, along with a year-on-year comparative analysis. It can also be aligned with global data, which will be instrumental in identifying trends in TIP and informing policymakers about the next steps to be taken.
The Anti-Human Trafficking Authority is recommended to serve as the custodian of the database, with support from the Public Security Division in coordinating the data collection mechanism.
A data collection committee can be established to provide support throughout the process and determine procedures for data preservation, data dissemination, and data validation.
Evaluate the possibility of employing data entry officers in relevant field offices and consider including a police focal point within the data collection committee or the Anti-Human Trafficking Authority. This will facilitate the gathering of information from relevant law enforcement agencies.
It is recommended to enhance the tools by incorporating additional monitoring, evaluation, and learning parameters. This will enable the analysis of intervention impacts and aid in the development of appropriate materials. Additionally, organizing orientation trainings for reporting officers on the data collection tools is advised.
In her closing remarks, Chairperson Ishita Rony expressed appreciation to the attendees for their comprehensive recommendations. As the next step, a strategy paper will be developed, incorporating the findings of the consultation. This paper will serve as the basis for subsequent actions in the development of the TIP database.
32 participants (5 female, 27 male) from different government ministries and agencies, UN agencies and CSOs joined the consultation workshop.
To know more about UNODC GLO.ACT-Bangladesh, please visit -
https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/human-trafficking/glo-act3/index.html
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10 December 2023
UNODC's Interactive Two-Week Training Strengthens Responses to Smuggling of Migrants by Sea
Smuggling of migrants by sea is an exceptionally dangerous criminal venture, with high profits to be made by smugglers yet with all the risk borne by the smuggled passengers – often with their lives. In the recent years, a combination of many factors, including the limited opportunities for regular migration, have enabled criminal groups to develop strong networks to smuggle migrants and other vulnerable groups from Bangladesh to not only the neighbouring countries, but also to countries that are significant distances away. The increasingly frequent reports of migrant and refugee smuggling by sea across the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea indicates that a concerted response is not only necessary, but urgent.
As part of its efforts to support Member States address the smuggling of migrants by sea, UNODC Regional Office for South Asia (UNODC ROSA) under the Global Action against Trafficking in Persons and the Smuggling of Migrants – Bangladesh (GLO.ACT – Bangladesh) and UNODC Regional Office for the Southeast Asia and the Pacific (ROSEAP) jointly organized a two-week training course titled “Responding to Migrant Smuggling by Sea” in Bangkok, Thailand from 23 October to 3 November 2023.
The training course comprised of 12 modules, which were designed to build upon each other. They covered a wide range of topics, including: international legal frameworks relevant to the smuggling of migrants and the law of the sea; the human rights-based and the gender-responsive approaches to the smuggling of migrants; gathering of intelligence; investigation of smuggling of migrants by sea cases; investigative techniques; grounds of interception on the SOM Protocol; search and rescue at sea; screening, protection and assistance; crime scene and physical evidence examination; interviewing; financial investigation; prosecution, etc.
Ishita Rony, Deputy Secretary of the Public Security Division, Ministry of Home Affairs and the Deputy Project Director for GLO.ACT-Bangladesh, who participated in the workshop, said that she “could see the participants’ change in perception of the crime of smuggling migrants through the training” and highlighted the urgent need to enhance interagency coordination and cooperation in Bangladesh to effectively disrupt, investigate and prosecute the criminal networks behind smuggling of migrants by sea and protect the rights of smuggled migrants.
The training workshop – the first of its kind for Bangladeshi officials – was also an opportunity to jointly identify the challenges and good practices in the response to the smuggling of migrants by sea in the Bay of Bengal, foster interagency cooperation as well as discuss the way forward in enhancing the authorities’ response to the increasing involvement of organized crime in migrant smuggling with a view to improving the protection of smuggled migrants at sea. It raised awareness on the international requirements at sea that are of concern in migrant smuggling ventures as well as trained participants on investigating smuggling of migrants while upholding the rights of the migrants.
The training workshop benefitted from the engagement of a wide range of subject matter experts. Throughout the two weeks, the participants were trained by experts from the Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling as well as Anti-Money Laundering/Countering the Financing of Terrorism Units of the UNODC ROSEAP, together with the Liaison Officer from the New Zealand Police, the International Project Manager from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Researcher from the Ocean Law and Policy Programme of the Centre for International Law of the National University of Singapore, and the Protection Expert from UNHCR Regional Office in Bangkok. The workshop was dynamically delivered, alternating between presentations, group exercises, plenary discussions, case studies, simulation exercises via a virtual reality vessel search tool, and presentations from participants.
Twenty Bangladeshi officials, nominated by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Criminal Investigation Department, Police Bureau of Investigation, Bangladesh River Police, Special Branch of Bangladesh Police, Border Guard Bangladesh, Bangladesh Coast Guard, and Bangladesh Navy participated in the training.
To know more about UNODC GLO.ACT-Bangladesh, please visit -
https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/human-trafficking/glo-act3/index.html
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10 December 2023
UNODC Addresses Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants in Cox’s Bazar: Strengthening Efforts Through Capacity-Building Workshop
Under the framework of the Global Action against Trafficking in Persons and the Smuggling of Migrants-Bangladesh (GLO.ACT-Bangladesh), UNODC organized a capacity-building workshop with law enforcement agencies to address Trafficking in Persons (TIP) and Smuggling of Migrants (SOM). The workshop, held from 30 to 31 August 2023, aimed to enhance the efficiency of human trafficking investigations in Bangladesh by focusing on both national and international legislation.
In its efforts to bolster the capabilities of criminal justice practitioners to proactively identify and investigate human trafficking cases, GLO.ACT-Bangladesh has been arranging workshops to deepen practitioners' understanding of the complexities surrounding human trafficking and migrant smuggling.
The workshop acquainted participants with essential international and national legal instruments, frameworks, and investigation techniques related to human trafficking. The second day of the workshop touched upon emerging trends on human trafficking and advanced investigation techniques. It also served as a platform for knowledge-sharing and coordination, enabling investigating officers to engage in vibrant discussions about handling human trafficking investigations. The workshop participants also gave their inputs on the reference booklet on the investigation procedure for the TIP cases to make it contextualized with the need of investigation at the field level of Bangladesh.
During his session Afzal Hossain, Additional SSP, Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of Bangladesh Police shared existing mechanisms followed at the headquarter level, and shared ways field level officers can coordinate with the Trafficking in Human Being Cell of CID and other relevant organizations. He also shared some ongoing cases amongst which included an investigation of transboundary case, and it was one of the outcome of the bilateral meeting between Bangladesh and Malaysia on addressing TIP and SOM, an initiative taken under the framework of GLO.ACT-Bangladesh.
This marks the second workshop in Cox’s Bazar with the investigating officers organized by GLO.ACT-Bangladesh. A total of 20 investigating officers from the District Police, the Police Bureau of Investigation, and the Criminal Investigation Department of Bangladesh Police actively participated in the workshop.
To know more about UNODC GLO.ACT-Bangladesh, please visit -
https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/human-trafficking/glo-act3/index.html
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06 December 2023
Story of resilience, hope, and transformation against changing climate.
As Bangladesh is one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change, the people of Dacope Upazila in Khulna district faced a unique set of challenges due to increasingly salty groundwater.
For generations, the residents of this region had been intimately connected to the land, relying on its fertile soil and clean water for their livelihoods. However, the encroaching saltwater from the Bay of Bengal made life in Dacope increasingly difficult. The once-abundant fresh groundwater had become saline, rendering it undrinkable and unsuitable for agriculture. The community was forced to make a choice between their basic needs and the future of their children's education.
The situation was dire. Many families had no choice but to use contaminated water from ponds, leading to a surge in waterborne diseases, particularly among children. The lack of clean water was a constant threat to their health, while the cost of education seemed an insurmountable obstacle for those living in residential brothels. Then, a glimmer of hope emerged in the form of a water treatment plant established by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) jointly with the Bangladesh Government and UNCDF under the Local Government Initiative on Climate Change (LoGIC) project, supported by the European Union, Sweden and Denmark. This water treatment plant was more than just a facility to purify water; it was a symbol of transformation and community support. It not only provided clean and safe drinking water but also brought together diverse members of the community, including students, families, and even a mother from a brothel, who was entrusted with the responsibility of looking after the plant. The impact was immediate and profound. The children of two local schools received free water from the plant, ensuring their health and well-being. Additionally, the plant produced 10,000 litres of clean drinking water daily, benefiting over 2,500 people, who accessed water through ATM cards and vans at an affordable price. What made this water treatment plant even more remarkable was its unique purpose. The proceeds generated from selling water at 50 paise per liter were dedicated to financing the education of school-aged children living in residential brothels. This innovative approach provided a lifeline for these vulnerable children, allowing them to escape the cycle of their current circumstances and enter the mainstream of government development. As the water treatment plant flourished, it demonstrated the power of a community coming together to address climate change adaptation and support its most vulnerable members. The plant's monthly revenue could range from Rs 50,000 to 70,000, a substantial sum that would be channelled entirely into the education of the children. The LoGIC project, had succeeded in building the capacity of vulnerable communities to adapt to climate change and implement solutions in areas most affected. This special water treatment plant, funded by the Performance Based Climate Resilient Grant, was a testament to their unwavering commitment to the community's well-being and future. The story of Dacope is a story of resilience, unity, and the indomitable spirit of communities faced with the challenges of climate change. Through innovation, determination, and cooperation, the people of Dacope not only secured clean water but also the promise of education for their children, lighting the path to a brighter, more climate-resilient future.
The situation was dire. Many families had no choice but to use contaminated water from ponds, leading to a surge in waterborne diseases, particularly among children. The lack of clean water was a constant threat to their health, while the cost of education seemed an insurmountable obstacle for those living in residential brothels. Then, a glimmer of hope emerged in the form of a water treatment plant established by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) jointly with the Bangladesh Government and UNCDF under the Local Government Initiative on Climate Change (LoGIC) project, supported by the European Union, Sweden and Denmark. This water treatment plant was more than just a facility to purify water; it was a symbol of transformation and community support. It not only provided clean and safe drinking water but also brought together diverse members of the community, including students, families, and even a mother from a brothel, who was entrusted with the responsibility of looking after the plant. The impact was immediate and profound. The children of two local schools received free water from the plant, ensuring their health and well-being. Additionally, the plant produced 10,000 litres of clean drinking water daily, benefiting over 2,500 people, who accessed water through ATM cards and vans at an affordable price. What made this water treatment plant even more remarkable was its unique purpose. The proceeds generated from selling water at 50 paise per liter were dedicated to financing the education of school-aged children living in residential brothels. This innovative approach provided a lifeline for these vulnerable children, allowing them to escape the cycle of their current circumstances and enter the mainstream of government development. As the water treatment plant flourished, it demonstrated the power of a community coming together to address climate change adaptation and support its most vulnerable members. The plant's monthly revenue could range from Rs 50,000 to 70,000, a substantial sum that would be channelled entirely into the education of the children. The LoGIC project, had succeeded in building the capacity of vulnerable communities to adapt to climate change and implement solutions in areas most affected. This special water treatment plant, funded by the Performance Based Climate Resilient Grant, was a testament to their unwavering commitment to the community's well-being and future. The story of Dacope is a story of resilience, unity, and the indomitable spirit of communities faced with the challenges of climate change. Through innovation, determination, and cooperation, the people of Dacope not only secured clean water but also the promise of education for their children, lighting the path to a brighter, more climate-resilient future.
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Press Release
10 December 2023
THE SECRETARY-GENERAL -MESSAGE ON HUMAN RIGHTS DAY
“All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.”
The iconic opening sentence of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is as important today as it was when it was adopted 75 years ago. The Universal Declaration is a roadmap, helping to end wars, heal divisions and promote lives of peace and dignity for all. But the world is losing its way.
Conflicts are raging. Poverty and hunger are increasing. Inequalities are deepening. The climate crisis is a human rights crisis that is hitting the most vulnerable hardest. Authoritarianism is on the rise. Civic space is shrinking, and the media is under attack from all sides.
Gender equality remains a distant dream and women’s reproductive rights are being rolled back. Today, it is more important than ever to promote and respect all human rights – social, cultural, economic, civil, and political – which protect us all.
The Universal Declaration shows the way to common values and approaches that can help resolve tensions and create the security and stability our world craves. As we work to update global frameworks and make them more effective in the 21st century, human rights must have a unique and central role.
I call on Member States to use this 75th anniversary, and the Summit of the Future next year, to strengthen their commitment to the timeless values of the Universal Declaration.
And on Human Rights Day, I urge people around the world to promote and respect human rights, every day, for everyone, everywhere.
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Press Release
10 December 2023
THE SECRETARY-GENERAL - MESSAGE FOR INTERNATIONAL MIGRANTS DAY
Migration is a fact of life and a force for good.
It promotes the exchange of knowledge and ideas and contributes to economic growth. It enables millions of people to pursue opportunities and improve their lives.
At the same time, poorly governed migration is a cause of great suffering. It forces people into the cruel realm of traffickers, where they face exploitation, abuse, and even death. It undermines trust in governance and institutions, inflames social tensions, and corrodes our common humanity.
On International Migrants Day, we highlight the urgent need for safe migration governance rooted in solidarity, partnership, and respect for human rights.
Five years ago, the international community adopted the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration.
This has become an important reference point and resource for Member States to assess actions, enhance cooperation, and expand rights-based pathways for migration.
Yet such measures remain the exception, not the norm.
Today and every day, we must work towards a more humane and orderly management of migration for the benefit of all, including communities of origin, transit, and destination. Together, let us secure a safer and more prosperous future for all.
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Press Release
07 December 2023
From Crisis to Action: UNFPA, UNICEF, & UN Women shed light on key Essential Services to support Gender Based Violence survivors in Bangladesh
Dhaka, Bangladesh – December 7, 2023 – On the framework of 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, a meta-analysis report jointly was released today by UNFPA, UNICEF, and UN Women, focused on how women, girls, and children, including adolescents, in Bangladesh face the brunt of the growing risk of gender-based violence (GBV) as an aftermath to COVID-19 pandemic.
This report titled "Justice Accountability and Support: Essential Services for Survivors of Gender-Based Violence," marks a collective effort by the three UN agencies to take decisive actions, supporting the Government of Bangladesh, aiming to end all forms of violence against women and children in the country.
The report highlights the urgent need to bridge the gap between health, police, justice, and social services and survivors, emphasizing the delivery of essential services to a GBV survivor.
A crucial recommendation from the analysis underscores the importance of providing survivor-centered and trauma-informed services. This approach is instrumental in empowering women and children including adolescents to seek help, thereby preventing all forms of harmful practices such as child marriage, trafficking, and various forms of gender-based violence (GBV).
"Now more than ever, it is critical to have a comprehensive and coordinated response to address the multifaceted challenges faced by GBV survivors,” said Emma Brigham, UNICEF Deputy Representative to Bangladesh. “Let’s strengthen our prevention and protection mechanisms, ensuring that women and children have access to the services they need to thrive," she added.
According to a 2021 UN Women report, 93% of women in Bangladesh reported having experienced or knowing another woman who has experienced violence against women and girls (VAWG).1 Moreover, Bangladesh also continues to witness one of the highest rates of child marriage, with more than half of women aged between 22 and 24 married when they were still children.2
"Essential Services Package (ESP) for Women and Girls Subject to Violence’ is a UN global guidance supporting national systems to respond to gender-based violence across four key sectors: health, social services, justice, and police. On behalf of UNFPA, and together with UNICEF and UN Women, I reaffirm our collective commitment to support Government efforts to address gaps identified. Closer partnerships with the relevant Government institutions, non-governmental and civil society organizations, and development partners are key to achieving all of them,” said Masaki Watabe, Deputy Representative, UNFPA Bangladesh.
During her presentation, UN Women Programme Coordinator, Shrabana Datta, shared “It is essential to work holistically, work in an intersectional and coordinated way, and involve all stakeholders to strengthen prevention and response programming for ending violence against women and girls. We need to scale up investments in prevention efforts. UN Women stands ready to work with the Government, civil society partners and development partners to advance prevention and response to gender-based violence efforts in the country.”
Key findings from the report include:
· Legal Framework Gaps: The justice services assessment identifies gaps in the legal framework, with child marriages and marital rape exempted from the definition of rape under Section 375 of the Penal Code 1860.
· Policing and Justice Service Challenges: The assessment emphasizes the need for training and capacity building of police officers, urging a survivor-centered and trauma-informed approach.
· Health Services Coordination: Stressing the crucial need for coordination between medical and justice service providers, the health services assessment aims to ensure an appropriate response to GBV.
· Social Services Investment: The report calls for increased investment in social services, advocating for a workforce capable of community outreach, awareness campaigns, and psychosocial support for GBV survivors.
Recommendations from the report for government, civil society, women's rights organizations, the media, and UN agencies, include capacity strengthening, improving accessibility of information related to GBV essential services, ensuring the safety of survivors, and enhancing data collection and management.
The proposed solutions advocate for the implementation of mutually reinforcing policy interventions and programs, fostering a comprehensive and collaborative approach to address the multifaceted challenges faced by GBV survivors in the country.
For more information, please contact:
UNFPA Media Contact
Asma Akter, UNFPA Bangladesh, Tel: +880 171 167 3555, asma@unfpa.org
UNICEF Media Contact:
Faria Selim, UNICEF Bangladesh, Tel: +880 181 758 6096, fselim@unicef.org
Farjana Sultana, UNICEF Bangladesh, Tel: +880 191 151 9507, fasultana@unicef.org
UN Women Media Contact
Shararat Islam, UN Women Bangladesh, Tel: +880 171 173 9852, shararat.islam@unwomen.org
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Press Release
01 December 2023
THE SECRETARY-GENERAL -- MESSAGE ON THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
3 December 2023: This year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities reminds us that achieving the Sustainable Development Goals requires living up to the promise to leave no one behind, especially the 1.3 billion persons with disabilities worldwide.
Today, at the halfway point to the 2030 Agenda, persons with disabilities continue facing systemic discrimination and barriers that restrict their meaningful inclusion in all areas of society.
Truly sustainable development for persons with disabilities requires a laser-like focus on their needs and rights — not only as beneficiaries, but as active contributors across social, economic and political life.
This means ensuring that persons with disabilities are at every decision-making table, in line with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and across countries’ efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals — from poverty eradication, to health, education and climate action.
The United Nations is leading by example through our Disability Inclusion Strategy, and by supporting Member States as they drive progress for, and with, persons with disabilities.
On this important day, I call on the world to work side-by-side with persons with disabilities to design and deliver solutions based on equal rights in every country and community.
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Press Release
01 December 2023
THE SECRETARY-GENERAL REMARKS TO WORLD CLIMATE ACTION SUMMIT COP28
Your Highness, President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan,
I waant to express my profound gratitude for the wonderful hospitality that we are enjoying in Dubai from the government and the people of the United Arab Emirates.
COP28 President Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, I want to congratulate you on the positive start to the COP with an expeditious approval of the agenda and the landmark operationalization of the Loss and Damage Fund. Congratulations.
Excellencies, friends, all protocol observed.
Just days ago, I was on the melting ice of Antarctica.
Not long before, I was among the melting glaciers of Nepal.
These two spots are far in distance, but united in crisis.
Polar ice and glaciers are vanishing before our eyes, causing havoc the world over: from landslides and floods, to rising seas.
But this is just one symptom of the sickness bringing our climate to its knees.
A sickness only you, global leaders, can cure.
Excellencies,
Earth’s vital signs are failing: record emissions, ferocious fires, deadly droughts and the hottest year ever. We can guarantee it even when we’re still in November.
We are miles from the goals of the Paris Agreement – and minutes to midnight for the 1.5-degree limit.
But it is not too late.
We can - you can - prevent planetary crash and burn.
We have the technologies to avoid the worst of climate chaos – if we act now.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has charted a clear path to a 1.5-degree world.
But we need leadership – cooperation – and political will for action.
And we need it now.
It’s true. Our world is unequal and divided.
As we see in this region, conflicts are causing immense suffering and intense emotion. We just heard the news that the bombs are sounding again in Gaza.
And climate chaos is fanning the flames of injustice.
Global heating is busting budgets, ballooning food prices, upending energy markets, and feeding a cost-of-living crisis.
But climate action can flip the switch.
And renewable energy is the gift that keeps on giving.
It is good for our planet, our health, and our economies.
Cleaning our air.
Meeting the world’s growing energy demand.
Connecting millions of people to affordable electricity.
Bringing stability and security to markets.
And saving money – as renewable energy has never been cheaper.
Excellencies, friends,
The diagnosis is clear.
The success of this COP depends on the Global Stocktake prescribing a credible cure in three areas.
First, drastically cutting emissions.
Current policies would lead to an earth-scorching three-degree temperature rise.
So the Global Stocktake must set clear expectations for economy-wide Nationally Determined Contributions presented by all countries that cover all greenhouse gases, and align with the 1.5-degree limit.
The G20 – which represents 80 per cent of the world’s emissions -- must lead.
And I urge countries to speed up their net zero timelines, to get there as close as possible to 2040 in developed countries and 2050 in emerging economies.
Second, we cannot save a burning planet with a firehose of fossil fuels.
We must accelerate a just, equitable transition to renewables.
The science is clear:
The 1.5-degree limit is only possible if we ultimately stop burning all fossil fuels.
Not reduce.
Not abate.
Phaseout – with a clear timeframe aligned with 1.5 degrees.
The Global Stocktake must not only commit to that – it must also commit to triple renewables; double energy efficiency; and bring clean energy to all by 2030.
The economics are clear: the global shift to renewables is inevitable.
The only question is how much heating our planet will endure before it happens.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has recommended ending our addiction to coal by 2030 in OECD countries and 2040 for the rest of the world.
At the same time, according to the International Energy Agency, the oil and gas industry accounts for just one per cent of clean energy investment.
So allow me to have a message for fossil fuel company leaders:
Your old road is rapidly aging.
Do not double-down on an obsolete business model.
Lead the transition to renewables using the resources you have available.
Make no mistake – the road to climate sustainability is also the only viable pathway to economic sustainability of your companies in the future.
I urge governments to help industry make the right choice – by regulating, legislating, putting a fair price on carbon, ending fossil fuel subsidies, and adopting a windfall tax on profits.
Excellencies,
Third, climate justice is long overdue.
Developing countries are being devastated by disasters they did not cause.
Extortionate borrowing costs are blocking their climate action plans.
And support is far too little, far too late.
The Global Stocktake must commit to a surge in finance, including for adaptation and loss and damage.
And it must support reform of the multilateral development banks to leverage far more private finance at reasonable costs for developing countries on climate action.
And developed countries must show how they will double adaptation finance to $40 billion a year by 2025 – as promised – and clarify how they deliver on the $100 billion – as promised.
Excellencies,
The climate challenge is not just another issue in your inbox.
Protecting our climate is the world’s greatest test of leadership.
And so I urge you to lead.
Humanity’s fate hangs in the balance.
Make this COP count.
Make this COP a gamechanger.
Make this COP the new hope in the future of humankind.
Thank you.
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