NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION Vision – A human rights culture throughout Bangladesh Mission – To ensure the rule of law, social justice, freedom and human dignity through promoting and protecting human rights 3. Long-Term Goals We have identified four long-term goals – representing the destination of the journey the Commission is embarking on. While the present commissioners are unlikely to see these achieved during our terms, we can start down the road with good plans, some clear priorities and the most effective systems in place to fulfil these priorities. Goal One: A human rights culture throughout Bangladesh where people’s human dignity is respected Goal Two: A just society where violence by state is an episode of the past and officials know, and are held accountable for, their responsibilities Goal Three: A nation that is respected internationally for: Ÿ its human rights compliance Ÿ ratification of all human rights instruments Ÿ up-to-date reporting to treaty bodies Ÿ open cooperation with UN special mechanisms Goal Four: An NHRC that is credible, apolitical, objective and effective and respected for leading human rights protection throughout the country It is unlikely that our long-term goals will be achieved in the life of the present commission, or, indeed, many commissions to come. None the less it is important to be clear about what we are all trying to achieve. This will give us a basis for deciding on shorter term strategies that are achievable within a reasonable timeframe. 4. Key Strategies In order to reach these long-term goals, clear strategies are needed. Our basic approach will be to develop strong working relationships with both civil society (to take advantage of the breadth of human rights experience in the country) and with state agencies (in order to have our policy proposals and recommendations implemented). Both are equally important. We are fully aware that a considerable amount of human rights awareness-raising, research and policy development and monitoring is being undertaken by a range of NGOs. We hope to be able to tap into this experience and to add value to it where we can. It may be, for example, that we can use the Commission’s official status to have existing awareness-raising programmes broadcast on state media, suitably modified if necessary. Similarly, we will be making our own recommendations to the authorities on human rights policy, but we hope to cooperate with those already doing research on particular human rights 79