Staff Reporter:
Denmark has announced a support of 25 million Danish Krone (DKK) for a consortium of Danish or-ganizations — DIGNITY, International Media Support (IMS) and the Danish Institute for Human Rights — to promote human rights, trauma-informed mental health and media freedom in Bangladesh.
Over the next three years, the consortium will work with Bangladeshi partners to strengthen civil socie-ty, improve access to rehabilitation for survivors of torture and violence and foster an environment of free and independent media, a press release of the Danish embassy said yesterday.
Danish Ambassador to Bangladesh Christian Brix Moller said there is now a “unique opportunity to strengthen civil society in Bangladesh and address important challenges of human rights violations and impunity.”
He added the upcoming program would help “revitalize the pursuit of justice and democratic reform” and support Bangladesh’s people through the consortium partners’ extensive expertise in promoting hu-man rights and democracy.
DIGNITY’s CEO Rasmus Grue Christensen said a strong civil society is vital for advancing human rights and ensuring accountability and rehabilitation for survivors.
“We look forward to supporting local partners through capacity building and survivor-centered ap-proaches,” he noted.
IMS Executive Director Jesper Hojberg underscored the goal of strengthening Bangladesh’s media land-scape through close collaboration with local organizations and government.
“Our aim is to ensure every person in Bangladesh has access to trustworthy, independent information,” he said.
The Danish Institute for Human Rights’ International Director Mette Thygesen emphasized that the initia-tive will also support reform of Bangladesh’s National Human Rights Commission while building bridges with civil society and youth to shape a more inclusive future.
Officials said the new partnership aligns with Denmark’s broader engagement to advance human rights, democratic reform and inclusive development across South Asia.
