By Suparna Mitra, Shyamnagar , Satkhira
With support from the European Union and NETZ Partnership for Development and Justice -Bangladesh, BARCIK successfully conducted a three-day training on conflict-sensitive human rights based approach in five batches during November and December 2025 under BARCIK-ENGAGE project. The sessions were held across Khulna (Paikgasa and Koyra) and Satkhira (Shyamnagar and Assasuni upazilas), reaching 96 participants (49 women and 47 men), including union- and village-level CSO presidents and secretaries.
The training aimed to strengthen the capacity of president and secretary of CSOs to protect the rights of vulnerable communities, promote conflict-sensitive dialogue, and enhance cooperation with local authorities. Participants were introduced to the five key principles of the Human Rights-Based Approach (HRBA): meaningful participation, accountability, transparency, non-discrimination, and empowerment.
Through participatory and adult-learning methods, the training addressed human rights violations linked to climate change and environmental degradation. Key topics included:
- Impacts of environmental degradation and climate change on human rights
- Roles of duty bearers, rights holders, and environmental human rights defenders
- HRBA principles: Participation, Accountability, Indivisibility, Non-discrimination, Empowerment
- Action and planning sessions for applying learnings in local contexts
Interactive group discussions, presentations, and feedback sessions allowed participants to exchange insights and receive practical guidance on ensuring rights were properly claimed and protected. The training was facilitated by Suparna Mitra, Technical Officer, and Mr. Mahabubur Rahman, Project Coordinator of BARCIK-ENGAGE.
Participants highlighted that the training would greatly help them reclaim rights affected by environmental degradation in coastal areas. They expressed hope that applying the knowledge and skills gained would enable them to uphold and defend environmental human rights for climate-vulnerable communities, contributing to a safer, cleaner, and healthier future.
