Sweden stresses cooperation on human rights, democracy

Sweden’s Ambassador for Human Rights, Democracy and Rule of Law, Irina Schoulgin-Nyoni, is visiting Bangladesh from 11 to 14 November 2025, underscoring Stockholm’s continued commitment to advancing human rights, democracy, and rule of law in the country.

During her four-day visit, Ambassador Schoulgin-Nyoni will meet with representatives of the interim government, civil society organisations, development partners, students, and media actors to discuss key human rights priorities.

The talks will focus on the rights and empowerment of women and girls, freedom of expression and media freedom, and the role of civil society in promoting democratic values.

Sweden, known for its strong global advocacy on human rights, was among the first countries to appoint a dedicated ambassador for human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.

The envoy’s mandate includes promoting human rights in both bilateral and multilateral forums, engaging with stakeholders worldwide, and supporting Sweden’s foreign policy priorities—particularly in areas of gender equality, democracy, and institutional accountability.

“Sweden’s engagement is both principled and practical,” said a statement from the Swedish Embassy in Dhaka. “In Bangladesh, we work actively through development cooperation, political dialogue, and partnerships with civil society to strengthen human rights and democratic governance.”

A key area of focus for Sweden’s cooperation is women’s and girls’ rights. The Nordic country supports a range of initiatives—from combating gender-based violence to improving access to education and sexual and reproductive health and rights—helping to advance gender equality and inclusion across Bangladesh.

The visit also highlights Sweden’s strategic partnership with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

This collaboration, initiated prior to Bangladesh’s July 2025 uprising, has been reinforced following the OHCHR’s fact-finding mission, which issued crucial recommendations to advance human rights and strengthen rule-of-law mechanisms in the country.

Sweden has been an active supporter of implementing these recommendations, including initiatives to strengthen national institutions, promote accountability, and empower civil society.

A significant milestone in this cooperation came with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Government of Bangladesh and OHCHR in July 2025—establishing the country’s first dedicated OHCHR Mission, anchored in impartiality, independence, and respect for the rule of law.

With flexible funding from Sweden, OHCHR has maintained a robust presence in Bangladesh, contributing to tangible progress on key human rights fronts.

This includes its technical and financial support to the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances, which has documented nearly 2000 cases, marking an unprecedented effort to ensure truth and accountability for victims and families.

Sweden and OHCHR are also collaborating to promote justice, gender equality, and civic inclusion, supporting efforts to strengthen the National Human Rights Commission, advance legal and institutional reforms, and empower youth and emerging civil society actors.

Ambassador Schoulgin-Nyoni’s visit comes at a critical juncture for Bangladesh’s democratic transition, as the country works to rebuild institutions and reinforce public trust following the political upheavals earlier this year.

Observers say Sweden’s proactive engagement—rooted in partnership and respect for national ownership—signals renewed international support for Bangladesh’s human rights and governance reforms.

mirmostafiz@yahoo.com