Freedom of expression important yardstick for HR in any society

CHATTOGRAM, Oct 07 (UNB): Ambassador of Switzerland to Bangladesh Dr Rene Holenstein said on Sunday freedom of expression and press freedom are important benchmarks for human rights in any society.

He highlighted the important role of civil society, human rights defenders and journalists in promoting human rights.

The Ambassador made the remarks while speaking at a panel discussion and film screening on human rights in the port city.

The event was jointly organised by the Embassy of Switzerland in Bangladesh, the Office of the United Nations Resident Coordinator, and national NGO Steps towards Development to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and to highlight the importance of protection of human rights.

Senior Human Rights Adviser to the UN Resident Coordinator Heike Alefsen also spoke at the event, according to a joint press release.

The Chief Executive of Nagorik Uddyog and human rights activist Zakir Hossain and women's rights activist from Chattogram Jasmeen Sultana Paru took part in the panel discussions. Executive Director of Steps Ranjan Karmaker moderated it.

Ismail Mintu, who represented the young Bangladeshis, also participated in the discussion.

The panelists talked about the relevance of human rights today, 70 years after the adoption of the UDHR, and explored key human rights topics in Bangladesh.

The event was widely attended by human rights and civil society activists from Chattogram as well as a large number of young Bangladeshis, mainly university students.

The discussions followed a lively interaction with the audience, who shared their views about human rights and the challenges they encounter in exercising human rights in the society.