Our rights Our freedoms Always

At the very outset let me, on behalf of JAMAKON – the National Human Rights Commission, Bangladesh, extend heartiest greetings to all the readers on the verge of World Human Rights Day 2015. 67 years ago on 10 December 1948, the UN General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights – the UDHR. That is why 10 December is celebrated worldwide as the Human Rights Day. 

For us in Bangladesh, the day carries a special significance. Our beloved motherland – the People's Republic of Bangladesh is the product of the realisation of one of the most fundamental human rights, i.e. the right of nations and peoples to self-determination. We, as a nation, reaped this harvest of human rights in our month of victory in the liberation war. Human Rights Day and Victory Day are thus intertwined. It is, therefore, only natural that in this month of victory our hearts are filled with never-ending joy, sense of happiness is unbounding, funfair and merriment is overwhelming! 

The theme of this year's Human Rights Day is – “Our Rights. Our Freedoms. Always.” It denotes that human rights pervade all spheres of human life without a moment of respite.  If 'rights' are not ensured, 'freedoms' do not exist and become meaningless; and if 'rights' and 'freedoms' are non-existent, the 'dignity' of a human persons is infringed; and the infringement of human dignity is a violation of human rights. Thus protection of human rights is an imperative in the continuous flow of human life. From this perspective, respect for human rights cannot evolve around any particular day or be confined to festivities or celebrations. 

Human rights are inalienable, indivisible, non-transferable. Above all, human rights are universal, i.e. applicable to all irrespective of space, time, sex, race, colour, creed or faith, etc. In poetic expression, human rights resemble – “Wherever you are, I am your shadow!”

A citizen can enjoy a dignified life only when his/her human rights are well protected and ensured. However, for effective protection of human rights, mere rights-consciousness is not enough. Rights-awareness is important, but duty-consciousness is no less important. As a matter of fact, it has been repeatedly demonstrated that if a person duly fulfills his obligations, his rights are automatically realised.

We are committed to establish such a society where 'human rights culture' will prevail and exist on a strong and solid foundation. For this to be attained, we should appreciate the multidimensional facets of human rights. This entails that for better promotion and protection of human rights, ensuring civil and political rights is not adequate. Parallely, one's economic, social and cultural rights must also be expanded and made accessible. In the opinion of many human rights advocates – in a developing country like Bangladesh – economic and social rights need to be emphasised more. It, however, does not displace the already established truth, that if civil and political rights do not attain a minimum acceptable standard, even if a person's economic-social-cultural rights are well guaranteed – his condition may be compared to that of a “bird detained in a golden cage”! 

This is one of the rationales why contemporary human rights jurisprudence evolves around the notion of 'human dignity'. Every human being is 'unique' and endowed with 'unique dignity'. And if there is even a minute infringement of his dignity, violations of human rights become evident. 

'Human dignity' is the sum total of a number of rights and freedoms. To this we need to add the surrounding realities of life so that overall security of a person is not threatened. Back in 1941, the then US President Franklin D. Roosevelt said that “leading a life without fear and needs” is human rights. Thus, on the Human Rights Day, when we appeal to all – “Come, let us build a dignified life through the protection of human rights”, it automatically entrusts upon us a duty to ensure such environment wherein all our compatriots – irrespective of caste, religion, sect, belief, opinion, etc. are able to live their life without any fear or doubts. 

Killing of the free thinkers, incitement to communal disharmony and hatred, religious extremism, even tacit support to those accused of commission of war crimes and crimes against humanity, etc. – all but adversely affect human dignity. This must be dispensed with. 

Furthermore, if we have even a semblance of respect for human rights, we cannot deny the necessity of putting those on trial who are accused of the most heinous crimes and human rights violations. Human rights can never flourish if the perpetrators are not brought to justice. 

It is ridiculous to claim the implementation of one's rights by denying or violating similar rights of others. Therefore, in my opinion, instead of asking for 'my rights, my freedoms', we should demand for 'our rights, our freedoms' – not on a temporary basis, but for infinity! 

Let us reeducate ourselves in this spirit of human rights. Not for a moment let us forget that it is only through respect, protection and promotion of human rights can we build a 'dignified society' and enable us to materialise the dream of the Father of the Nation – 'Sonar Bangla' (Golden Bengal) – whom we adore and love! 

Message from the Chairman, National Human Rights Commission, Bangladesh.