Australia contributes Taka 3.7 million for human rights project on International Human Rights Day
Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (BLAST), a local NGO in Bangladesh will receive Taka 3.72 million over one year for a human rights project under the Australian Government’s Human Rights Small Grants Scheme (HRSGS).
The Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Hon Stephen Smith MP, announced funding for 36 projects spread around the world, totaling nearly AUD 3 million under the Human Rights Small Grants Scheme 2009-10. The Minister made the announcement on 10 December, International Human Rights Day.
The HRSGS is a worldwide program funding projects that build developing countries’ capacity to promote and protect human rights. Projects this year will be supported across Asia, the Pacific, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America and the Caribbean.
The successful project from BLAST aims to safeguard the rights of workers and consumers by assessing the capacity of Bangladeshi government agencies involved in worker and consumer safety. It will also consult with government and civil society to bring about legislative and policy change.
The Australian High Commissioner in Dhaka, Dr. Justin Lee, said the Australian Government was delighted to be able to contribute towards Bangladesh’s ongoing efforts to promote and protect the rights of its people.
He congratulated BLAST for being one of the successful applicants of this year’s Human Rights Small Grants Scheme. Last year, the Acid Survivors Foundation Hospital in Dhaka received Taka 3.2 million under the HRSGS 2008-09 to help acid survivors reintegrate into society and achieve economic independence.
Australian High Commission, Dhaka
10 December 2009
For further information please contact
Senior Political & Economic Research Officer
Australian High Commission.
Tel: 8813105, E-mail: [email protected]