Human rights must be protected for all, regardless of religion, ethnicity: UK Rights ambassador

Human rights must be protected for all regardless of race, religion or ethnicity, UK Human Rights Ambassador Eleanor Sanders has said. 

Speaking at a seminar on democracy and human rights at Dhaka University's Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Building today (5 February), the ambassador emphasised the importance of ensuring justice, accountability, human rights and fundamental freedoms, saying that human rights are a universal issue. 

"The UK will always work in this regard," she added. 

Eleanor, also the UN deputy permanent representative, is currently visiting Bangladesh. She delivered a special lecture at the seminar jointly organised by the Dhaka University Applied Democracy Lab and the British High Commission in Dhaka.

Addressing the seminar as the chief guest, Professor Sayema Haque Bidisha, pro-vice-chancellor (administration) of the university, said, "The young generation has played a significant role in numerous political and social movements across the country, including the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and the July mass uprising." 

Bidisha emphasised the importance of youth in building a state founded on democracy, justice, and equality. She said the Applied Democracy Lab has been established at Dhaka University to inspire students to practice democracy.

She expressed hope that this lab will play an effective role in establishing democratic values in society. 

Before the seminar, Ambassador Eleanor Sanders visited various graffiti artworks on the Dhaka University campus, particularly those depicting the July mass uprising.

Mohammad Aynul Islam, director of the Dhaka University Applied Democracy Lab and associate professor of the Department of Political Science, chaired the seminar. 

Eleanor Sanders arrived in Dhaka on 3 February for a three-day visit to meet with the interim government, human rights defenders, and other key partners.