Learning week program for NHRC staff 6 Learning Week conducted for the newly-recruited NHRC staff. The NHRC worked with the BNHRC-CDP to design and conduct a week-long new staff orientation on basic human rights concepts. Thirteen staff members participated in the five 90-minute sessions of the Learning Week, covering five distinct but interrelated topics, including: (1) concept, evolution and principles of human rights; (2) domestication of international human rights standards; (3) Paris Principles and the mandate of NHRC, Bangladesh; (4) complaints management principles and practice; and (5) NHRC operations and the role of BNHRC-CDP. Participants found this initiative very useful and stressed the need for such regular professional development in order to carry out their responsibilities most effectively. This model for in-house training is a dynamic management tool and will continue throughout the life of the project to expand staff technical knowledge and commitment to the institution. 7 International Exchanges on Human Rights Issues. The NHRC Chairman, Members and staff participated in various conferences, workshops, and professional exchanges in 2011. These opportunities for learning and sharing furthered the knowledge and experience of Commission and staff and raised awareness abroad about the NHRC and its mandate. The following list presents the various programs and their objectives and attendees who participated in each event: Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions Bangkok (23-25 March 2011) Senior Executive Officers Roundtable (NHRC Secretary Shamsuzzaman Bhuiyan) Programme on Human Rights and Democratization (Asia Pacific), Kathmandu School of Law, Kathmandu Nepal (28 March 2011) The aim of the programme is to develop the capacity of people working in the Asia Pacific region to effectively advocate for promote awareness of and encourage respect for human rights and democratic principle, including constitutional issues both across t h e re g i o n a n d w i t h i n t h e i r l o ca l communities. (NHRC Chairman, Prof. Dr. Mizanur Rahman) 55