Introduction 1. The present report reviews Bangladesh’s status of implementation of its commitments under the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR). Bangladesh’s undertaking to implement its commitment under the Covenant stems from its voluntarily assumed obligations under the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, 1966. The present report of the National Human Rights Commission, Bangladesh (NHRCB) to the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights reviews Bangladesh’s status of implementation of its commitments under the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) highlighting several important steps the Government of Bangladesh has taken towards progressive realization of rights under the Covenant. It then focuses on remaining challenges and concerns, and finally offers recommendations for action to be taken by the Government of Bangladesh in cooperation with civil society and the international community at large. 2. Per the Covenant, key features of article 2 (1) establish that the obligation undertaken by States Parties to the Covenant is programmatic and progressive. States Parties do not undertake to “respect” and “ensure” the rights contained in the Covenant from the moment of its entry into force (as do States Parties to the CPR Covenant). Rather, States undertake to “take steps” towards the progressive realisation of the rights. 1 Background: National Human Rights Commission, Bangladesh 3. The Commission was constituted by the enactment of the National Human Rights Commission Act (NHRC), 2009 in light of the ‘Paris Principles’ with the aim of strengthening, promoting and protection of human rights in Bangladesh. The Act mandates NHRCB to provide training to key stakeholders regarding protection of human rights and among other things to analyse treaties and other international instruments on human rights to make recommendations to the Government for their signature and ratification and on their effective implementation.2 The NHRCB has adopted its 2nd five year Strategic Plan for 2016 – 2020 3 that identifies priority areas including ensuring the right to improved access, particularly of disadvantaged and marginalized groups, to their economic, social and cultural rights. The NHRCB strategic plan also emphasizes the importance of building partnerships to raise awareness and promote human rights. 1 The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights: A Study on Bangladesh Compliance, page 3, published by the National Human Rights Commission, Bangladesh: http://nhrc.portal.gov.bd/sites/default/files/files/nhrc.portal.gov.bd 2 Section 12 of the National Human Rights Commission Act, 2009. 3 NHRCB Strategic Plan (2010-2015), published by NHRC (2011), p. 16 on violations of economic, social and cultural rights. 2