Empowering Youth to Champion Torture Prevention and Human Rights

Young people have a vital role to play in preventing torture, protecting human dignity, and strengthening the rule of law, speakers said at a dialogue organized to mark the United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Bangladesh, in collaboration with the Association for the Prevention of Torture (APT) and the University of Dhaka, organized the discussion at the university on 22 June 2026.

Bringing together students, human rights practitioners, academics, and international experts, the programme created a platform for young participants to explore how they can contribute to torture prevention, institutional accountability, and the protection of fundamental rights.

Through presentations and interactive discussions, participants examined the role of independent human rights institutions, the importance of monitoring places of detention, and international good practices in preventing torture. The dialogue encouraged students to see themselves not only as learners, but also as active advocates who can raise awareness, challenge injustice, and help build a culture of accountability.

Professor Muhammad Ekramul Haque, Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Dhaka, opened the programme. He emphasized the importance of protecting oversight institutions from external influence. "Independent oversight institutions cannot effectively protect rights if they remain vulnerable to executive influence. Strengthening constitutional safeguards for the National Human Rights Commission would be an important step toward ensuring greater accountability and human rights protection in Bangladesh," he said.

Reto Renggli, Ambassador of Switzerland to Bangladesh, also attended the event. He highlighted the significance of Bangladesh's accession to the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (OPCAT). "Bangladesh's accession to OPCAT represents a significant commitment to upholding human rights and safeguarding human dignity. Switzerland will continue to support efforts to strengthen independent institutions and human rights protection in the country," the ambassador said.

Romana Schweiger, Senior Advisor on Rule of Law, Justice and Human Rights, UNDP, called for collective action to ensure that torture is never accepted or overlooked. "Ahead of the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, we are reminded of the suffering endured by survivors worldwide and of our collective responsibility to ensure that torture is never tolerated, justified, or ignored," she said.

Marie Lequin, Director of Operations at the Association for the Prevention of Torture, stressed that the implementation of OPCAT requires strong and effective national mechanisms. "Bangladesh's accession to OPCAT is an important step forward, but the promise becomes protection only when an effective national preventive mechanism is established. No country can do this alone, which is why we come together to learn from one another," she said.

The programme also featured presentations by Greg Heesom, Senior Human Rights Advisor at the Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions, and Yuyun Wahyuningrum, former Executive Director of ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights.

They engaged students in discussions on the independence and effectiveness of national human rights institutions, the challenges involved in preventing torture, and lessons from international experience. Participants also reflected on how young people can promote human rights through research, public dialogue, civic participation, and responsible advocacy.

Observed annually on 26 June, the United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture marks the entry into force of the United Nations Convention against Torture. It serves as a global reminder that torture violates human dignity and must be prevented in all circumstances.

By equipping young people with knowledge, practical perspectives, and opportunities for dialogue, UNDP and its partners aim to nurture a new generation of advocates committed to human rights, justice, and the rule of law.