Advocacy Initiatives

Considering state laws and policies as important instruments for ensuring the equal protection of human rights for all, ASK aims to ensure that such instruments conform to human rights principles. Its advocacy initiatives in this regard include undertaking research on how laws and policies constrain human rights; publishing its research findings, documents and reports to mobilize public opinion and stimulate discussion on the need for reform, including through the mass and alternative media; and carrying out legal advocacy for positive changes through litigation or lobbying with policy makers. ASK’s advocacy initiatives also involve engaging with national, regional and international networks and UN human rights bodies on issues that require international attention.

ASK’s advocacy work is carried out by the Research Unit, the Publication and Communication Unit, the Media and International Advocacy Unit and the Legal Advocacy and Policy Reform Unit.

Research Unit: The Unit’s activities include:

• Coordinating and publishing the annual report on Human Rights in Bangladesh
• Conducting research studies on laws and practices on key human issues; and
• Organizing and conducting Study Circles to promote in-house dissemination of research findings

Contact: Research Unit, ASK; Phone: +88 (02) 8315851, 9360336 (ext - 127), research@askbd.org
Publication and Communications Unit: This Unit’s activities include:

Publication and Communications Unit: This Unit’s activities include:

• Editing and publishing the quarterly ASK Bulletin
• Ongoing publications on human rights issues [; the ASK Annual Report, leaflets, posters etc.
• Commissioning articles on contemporary legal and human rights issues for ASK bulletins and the national press

Organizing dialogues and discussion meetings with ASK Bulletin readers 

Contact: Publication and Communications Unit, ASK; Phone: +88 (02) 8315851, 9360336 (ext - 124), E-mail: publication@askbd.org

Media and International Advocacy Unit:

This Unit’s activities include:

• Issuing press statements
• Organizing press conferences
• Organizing dialogues and discussion meetings with key human rights actors and organisations nationally and regionally
• Engaging in international advocacy with the UN human rights bodies
• Communicating with ASK’s regional and international networks
• Maintaining ASK’s website

Contact: Media and International Advocacy Unit, ASK; Phone: +88 (02) 8315851, 9360336 (ext - 118), E-mail: mia@askbd.org

Legal Advocacy and Policy Reform Unit:

This Unit’s activities include:

• Filing and assisting with public interest litigation to secure fundamental rights and to ensure accountability of state authorities with their constitutional and legal duties and
• Undertaking grassroots advocacy to disseminate information regarding judgments and orders obtained in public interest litigation
• Reviewing laws and policies, existing and proposed, to ensure conformity with human rights and preparing recommendations for reform, amendment or repeal as necessary
• Engaging in advocacy with state authorities and collaborating as required with other national and local NGOs to strengthen law and policy reform initiatives, including to seek compliance with the outcome of public interest litigation

Contact: Legal Advocacy and Policy Reform Unit: Phone; 88 02 8315851, 9360336 (ext - 121), E-mail: advocacy@askbd.org