Government of Bangladesh Agrees to UN Human Rights Office to Bolster SDG 16
Commitment to Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
On July 28, 2025, Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter announced the government’s approval for the establishment of a United Nations human rights office in Dhaka. This decision is a significant step towards reinforcing the principles of Sustainable Development Goal 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions). The Adviser clarified that the initiative is a forward-looking measure designed to ensure the long-term protection of human rights and strengthen national institutions, irrespective of the government in power.
- The primary objective is to create a permanent framework for human rights oversight.
- This aligns with SDG Target 16.a, which calls for strengthening national institutions to prevent violence and uphold justice.
- The Adviser noted that the presence of a UN office would foster a culture of accountability for future administrations.
Interim Government’s Approach to Governance and Human Rights
Adviser Akhter contrasted the current administration’s approach with that of the previous government, which she stated had engaged in state-patronized human rights violations. The interim government’s policy, in line with SDG 16, prioritizes peaceful and inclusive conflict resolution.
- Dialogue over Force: The government is committed to resolving issues through dialogue rather than suppression.
- Tolerance and De-escalation: Efforts are focused on maintaining tolerance even during periods of tension.
- Addressing Root Causes: The administration seeks to understand the underlying causes of social unrest, such as mob violence, instead of resorting to repressive measures.
Sustainable Management of Natural Resources and Food Security
Monitoring Hilsa Fishery in Alignment with SDGs 2, 14, and 8
Addressing concerns over the Hilsa fish supply, Adviser Akhter linked the current shortfall to lower-than-average rainfall. She assured that the government is actively monitoring the situation. This oversight is crucial for advancing several interconnected Sustainable Development Goals.
- SDG 14 (Life Below Water): Government monitoring aims to ensure the sustainable management of Hilsa stocks, preventing overfishing and protecting marine biodiversity.
- SDG 2 (Zero Hunger): By working to stabilize the supply and price of Hilsa, a key protein source, the government is supporting national food security.
- SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): The long-term health of the Hilsa fishery is vital for the livelihoods of countless individuals and the economic stability of coastal communities.
Venue and Context
The statements were made following an event at Gono Bishwabidyalay in Savar, attended by university Vice-Chancellor Prof Md Abul Hossain. This engagement between government and academia highlights a collaborative approach consistent with SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
- The core of the article discusses the government’s agreement to establish a United Nations human rights office in Dhaka. This directly relates to building effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels to promote justice and safeguard human rights. The adviser’s comments on past human rights violations and the current government’s commitment to dialogue and avoiding repression further strengthen this connection.
SDG 2: Zero Hunger
- The article mentions the government’s concern over the Hilsa fish supply and its efforts in “monitoring the situation to meet domestic demand and stabilise prices.” Hilsa is a staple food in Bangladesh, and ensuring its availability and affordability is directly linked to achieving food security and ensuring access to sufficient and nutritious food for the population.
SDG 14: Life Below Water
- The discussion on the “drop in supply” of Hilsa fish touches upon the sustainability of marine resources. While the cause cited is environmental (low rainfall), managing fish stocks to ensure a stable supply for domestic consumption is a key aspect of conserving and sustainably using the oceans, seas, and marine resources.
SDG 13: Climate Action
- The article explicitly links the drop in Hilsa fish supply to “low rainfall this year.” This connects the issue of food security and marine resources to the impacts of climate change. Low or altered rainfall patterns are a climate-related hazard, and their effect on a critical food source like Hilsa highlights the need for climate action and adaptation.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
- Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all. The establishment of a UN human rights office is a mechanism to promote the rule of law and accountability for human rights violations.
- Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels. The adviser states that having a UN office will make future governments “very aware of protecting human rights,” which points directly to fostering accountability and transparency.
- Target 16.10: Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms, in accordance with national legislation and international agreements. The mention of “human rights organisations” that “prepared reports at the international level” refers to the protection of fundamental freedoms and the role of civil society in holding governments accountable.
SDG 2: Zero Hunger
- Target 2.1: By 2030, end hunger and ensure access by all people, in particular the poor and people in vulnerable situations, including infants, to safe, nutritious and sufficient food all year round. The government’s action to monitor Hilsa supply to “meet domestic demand and stabilise prices” is a direct effort to ensure access to a key food source for its people.
SDG 14: Life Below Water
- Target 14.4: By 2020, effectively regulate harvesting and end overfishing… and implement science-based management plans, in order to restore fish stocks. While not explicitly detailed, the act of “monitoring the situation” regarding the Hilsa supply is a foundational step in the management and regulation of fish stocks to ensure their long-term sustainability.
SDG 13: Climate Action
- Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries. The vulnerability of the Hilsa fishery to “low rainfall” demonstrates a lack of resilience to a climate-related hazard, highlighting the need to build adaptive capacity in key food systems.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
- A direct indicator is the establishment of a “United Nations human rights office in Dhaka.” The existence and operational capacity of this office would be a clear measure of progress.
- An implied indicator is the number and substance of “reports at the international level” prepared by human rights organizations, which serve as a tool for monitoring and accountability.
- Another implied indicator is the incidence of “mob violence” and the state’s response, as the adviser notes the government is trying to “find the root causes” rather than using “additional repression.”
SDG 2: Zero Hunger & SDG 14: Life Below Water
- The “supply” of Hilsa fish is a direct indicator mentioned in the article that can be measured to track the health of the fish stock (SDG 14) and its availability for consumption (SDG 2).
- The “prices” of Hilsa fish are an implied indicator for measuring food access and affordability for the domestic population (SDG 2).
SDG 13: Climate Action
- The article points to “low rainfall” as a measurable indicator of a climate-related event that has a direct, negative impact on a vital national resource, demonstrating the country’s vulnerability to climate change.
4. SDGs, Targets and Indicators Analysis
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions |
16.3: Promote the rule of law and ensure equal access to justice. 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions. 16.10: Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms. |
– Establishment of a “United Nations human rights office in Dhaka.” – Reports on human rights prepared by civil society organizations. – Incidence of “mob violence” and state response. |
| SDG 2: Zero Hunger | 2.1: Ensure access by all people to safe, nutritious and sufficient food all year round. |
– Stability of Hilsa fish “prices.” – Ability to “meet domestic demand” for Hilsa fish. |
| SDG 14: Life Below Water | 14.4: Effectively regulate harvesting and implement science-based management plans to restore fish stocks. | – The level of Hilsa fish “supply.” |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards. | – Impact of “low rainfall” on critical food resources like the Hilsa fishery. |
Source: asianews.network
