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Tasmina Shahtaj Juthi

I am a Barrister-at-Law of England and Wales, with tact and expertise in International Law or Treaties, Human Rights Law, Immigration Rules and Regulations of the United Kingdom, Asylum, Convention Rights International Relations between Bangladesh and other nations. I have recently completed my Master’s degree in Human Rights from London School of Economics and Political Science, where I gained in-depth understanding of the origin, background, objectives, and various aspects of human rights law.

Name
Tasmina Shahtaj Juthi
Occupation
Barrister-at-Law of the Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn
Human Rights Activist, Bangladesh
Expertise

My expertise in Bangladesh is deeply rooted in a passionate commitment to the advancement of human rights. Bangladesh, like many countries, grapples with a complex tapestry of human rights challenges, ranging from issues of social inequality, discrimination, freedom of expression, labour rights, and access to justice. While working at the Ain of Salish Kendra (ASK), I have had the opportunity of indulging myself in different aspects of human rights. My journey has been defined by a relentless pursuit of justice, accountability, and empowering the marginalised communities, including women, children, ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and persons with disabilities. Through legal cases, social campaigns, workshops, and community engagement, I have sought to empower these communities to assert their rights, challenge systemic injustices, and demand accountability from those in positions of power.

One of my key areas of focus has been the promotion of gender equality and women’s rights. Bangladesh has made significant strides in recent years in advancing gender equality, yet challenges persist. Through awareness campaigns, legal advocacy, and capacity-building programmes, I have worked to challenge gender stereotypes, combat gender-based violence, and empower women and girls to realise their full potential. Besides, I made significant contribution in promoting and protecting labour rights. I have worked closely with trade unions, civil society organisations, and international stakeholders to demand fair wages, safer working conditions, and respect for workers’ rights throughout the supply chain.

Moreover, while working at the Academy of Law and Policy (ALAP), I have also engaged in strategic advocacy through legislative reform, submitting reports to national and international human rights bodies, or raising awareness on the global stage.

Experience

My journey as a country expert report of Bangladesh has been a profound experience, filled with challenges. While working at a non-profit organisation, I was responsible for writing monthly and yearly reports on grave violations of human rights. Delving into these reports of gender-based violence, social inequality and discrimination, persecution of minority communities, labour rights, and political violence, I have confronted the harsh realities faced by many Bangladeshis. I interviewed many survivors, activists, and defenders through my work. Hearing their stories, I realised the urgent need to amplify their voices, advocate for accountability, and uphold their fundamental rights. In collaborating with local partners and international organisations, I advocated for the rights of the marginalised and underprivileged people, promoting policies that prioritised their dignity.

Throughout this experience, I conducted comprehensive research on the political, economic, social, and cultural aspects of Bangladesh. I gathered information from various sources such as government reports, academic journals, media outlets, and interviews with victims. Armed with an in-depth understanding of the issues, I provided expert analysis and recommendations to government agencies, policymakers, national and international organisations. This included preparing policy briefs, reports, and presentation on key issues affecting Bangladesh. Examining matters such as poverty, inequality, and discrimination, I worked to highlight the intersections between socio-economic factors and human rights violations. From indigenous peoples to LGBTQ+ individuals, from women and girls to persons with disabilities, I endeavoured to raise awareness of their struggles, and advocate for inclusive policies that recognise and protect their rights.

Central to my advocacy as a country expert was the empowerment of women and children whose rights are often overlooked or denied. I worked in several reform projects that aim to widen the scope of justice for the survivors of male violence, and provide more protection to both victims and survivors. One such landmark project was the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act (Amendment) 2020 project. Alongside facilitating the research work for this project, I worked with various stakeholders, legal professionals, and organisations such as UNDP, CEDAW, and UN Women, to ensure effectiveness and true implementation of the project.

My overall experience as a country expert of Bangladesh has been a journey of solidarity, resilience, and unwavering commitment to justice. From unveiling human rights realities to navigating political complexities, from addressing socio-economic rights to empowering marginalised communities, I have sought to uphold the fundamental principles of human dignity and equality.

Publications

1. ASK Annual Human Rights Report 2019, 2020, 2021

2. ASK Quarterly Reports (2019-2021)

3. ALAP Yearly Reports (2020-2022)

Languages
Bengali (Standard and Sylhety Dialect) – Native
English – Professional & Advanced
Hindi – Well Spoken
Urdu- Moderate Understanding
Ethnic groups expertise
Bengali, Bangladeshi, Chakma, Shantal, Garo, Khashia, Tripuri and other ethnic groups of Bangladesh
Political groups expertise
Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Bangladesh Awami League (BAL), Jatiya Party (JP- Ershad/Rowshon), Jatiya Party (JP- Bidisha), Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Amar-Bangladesh Party (AB Party), Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), BASAD, Revolutionary Workers Party of Bangladesh, Gonoshonghoti Andolon, Gono-Odhikar Parisad, Gonoforum, Liberal Democratic Party, Bangladesh Muslim League and other political groups or parties
Religious groups expertise
Religious Groups Expertise:
Sunni, Shia, Ahmadia Muslim, Hindi, Christian, Buddhism, Judaism
Other social groups expertise
Other Social Groups Expertise:
Ethnic Minorities, Tribals, Vulnerable and Victim Women, Victims of grave Human Rights Violations or their families, LGBTQ, Atheist, Blogger
Fees
[Private to EIN members]
Contact email
Phone
[Private to EIN members]
Address
[Private to EIN members]