The work of the Commission
The work of the CHT Commission aims at
- Raising wider awareness of the need for implementation of the CHT Accord to ensure sustained peace in the CHT.
- Documentation/dissemination of information on human rights abuses/violations, and advocacy and mobilization of public opinion against such abuse as well as measures to ensure remedies and reparations for those affected.
- Creating platforms for regular dialogue and mutual sharing with all concerned parties on issues relevant to ethnic reconciliation, and promotion and strengthening the rights of the indigenous peoples of the region.
This is done through the following activities:
- Periodic missions to Bangladesh by members of the CHT Commission
Three regular follow-up missions are planned to be conducted after the inception mission of August 2008. In addition, it is expected that additional urgent fact finding missions may be necessary.
- Peace building initiatives
On occasion of the follow-up missions of the CHT Commission three mediation seminars will be held to facilitate a constructive dialogue on pertinent issues between the government and CHT leaders/peoples. Two out-of-country meetings will be organized in Thailand in order to provide a more conducive environment for free discussions.
- Publications
A Study on the Implementation Status of the Peace Accord: Impediments and Ways Forward. The study will take stock of the status of the Accord, look into critical issues and impediments to its implementation and explore possible ways and means to further its implementation.
A comprehensive Report on the Human Rights Situation of CHT (the first status report of the CHT Commission since update 4 of 2000).
Follow-up reports. The CHT Commission should have a watchdog function and periodic update reports (whenever issues arise) will be produced on human rights violation, land rights, the development situation and other pertinent issues. Such reports will consist of an annual human rights report (2008, 2009 and 2010) and thematic reports and briefing notes (e.g. on land rights and self-governance).
- Public awareness and media campaign
This campaign consists of round-table discussions with print media and with the electronic media (TV and Radio), the production of TV news-features, sponsoring of TV talk shows, and dialogue workshops .
- Dialogue meetings
In order to mobilize critical support for policy lobbying by key bilateral and multilateral donor agencies and other stakeholders two dialogue meetings will be held to which high-level officials of foreign missions and other stakeholders will be invited. The dialogue meetings will be facilitated by members of the CHT Commission.
- International lobby and advocacy work
Several of the commission members are involved in various international bodies and processes, and they can therefore be instrumental in lobbying for a constructive engagement with the Government of Bangladesh and support for the Commission’s work.