Dear fellow activists, colleagues, and human rights supporters,
Human rights are not merely a concept or a phrase—they are the reflection of every individual’s inherent dignity and worth. In 1948, the United Nations proclaimed:
“All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.”
Seventy-five years later, this declaration remains a distant dream for many around the world.
Since 2015, Japan-Bangladesh Human Rights (JBHR) has been steadfastly working to turn that dream into a reality. Guided by the principles of universality, indivisibility, and interdependence of human rights, we strive to build a just, dignified, and inclusive society.
Our work is centered on three key pillars of rights:
- Civil and Political Rights: Freedom of expression, access to justice, personal security, and freedom of religion.
- Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights: Access to education, healthcare, housing, food security, and decent employment.
- Solidarity Rights: Environmental justice, the right to development, and cultural preservation.
Our Global Engagement
In times of global crisis, JBHR has never remained silent. Whether in response to:
- The Rohingya crisis,
- The Russia-Ukraine war, or
- The ongoing humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza,
We have remained active through documentation, awareness, and international advocacy.
Key Initiatives in Fiscal Year 2024–25
✦ At the International Level:
- Submitted reports to the UN on human rights violations in Gaza and Ukraine
- Coordinated anti-war crime campaigns in 15 countries
- Organized 3 international seminars and produced 2 documentaries on the Myanmar crisis
✦ At the National Level:
- Provided food and medicine to 5,000 families in post-COVID economic distress
- Delivered human rights education programs in 50 schools
- Organized free health camps in 30 remote areas
- Conducted campaigns against violence towards women and children
- Hosted 25 dialogue sessions in schools and colleges to counter extremism and communalism
- Advocated for road safety reforms and improvements to traffic laws
✦ Environmental and Climate Justice:
- Implemented community-based climate adaptation projects in coastal regions
- Launched initiatives to combat air pollution and promote clean urban environments
- Provided legal assistance and filed 3 public interest litigations to safeguard environmental rights
Our Future Goals and Strategic Plans:
- Digital Rights Protection: Ensuring privacy, online safety, and freedom of expression in the digital era through national and international policy engagement.
- Indigenous and Minority Rights: Advocating for cultural and land rights, and constitutional recognition of indigenous and religious minority communities.
- Research and Publications: Publishing quarterly research papers and an annual human rights report focusing on violations, causes, and remedies.
- Climate Justice: Expanding international partnerships to address climate displacement, food insecurity, and social instability.
- Youth Leadership Development: Cultivating human rights awareness and leadership among the next generation through our “Youth for Rights” program.
As Nelson Mandela once said:
“You can never be neutral in matters of human rights.”
At a time when global human rights are under increasing threat, our commitment must be firm and clear. At JBHR, we believe that human rights are not a luxury, but a fundamental standard for all. More than just legal instruments, human rights are a social contract—a moral obligation that requires the collective efforts of individuals, communities, and the state.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our members, well-wishers, donor agencies, and both government and non-government partners. Your unwavering support and solidarity have made our journey possible.
Let us work together to build a world where the rights and dignity of every individual are fully upheld.
With respect,
(Md. Aminul Islam Hannan)
Chairman
Japan-Bangladesh Human Rights (JBHR)
Govt. Reg. No: S-12193/2015
