Dhaka, June 25, 2026:
Young people can play a pivotal role in preventing torture, protecting human dignity and strengthening the rule of law, speakers said at a dialogue held ahead of the United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture.
Organized by UNDP Bangladesh in collaboration with the Association for the Prevention of Torture (APT) and the University of Dhaka, the event brought together students, academics, human rights experts, and practitioners to discuss youth engagement in promoting accountability and preventing torture.
Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Dhaka, Professor Muhammad Ekramul Haque, stressed the need to strengthen the independence of oversight institutions, including the National Human Rights Commission, to ensure greater accountability.
Swiss Ambassador to Bangladesh Reto Renggli said Bangladesh’s accession to the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (OPCAT) reflects its commitment to protecting human rights and pledged Switzerland’s continued support in strengthening independent institutions.
UNDP’s Senior Advisor on Rule of Law, Justice and Human Rights, Romana Schweiger, called for collective action to ensure torture is never tolerated, while APT Director of Operations Marie Lequin said Bangladesh must establish an effective national preventive mechanism to translate its OPCAT commitment into meaningful protection.
Observed annually on June 26, the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture highlights the global commitment to eliminating torture and safeguarding human dignity.
