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  Global Human Rights Defence 

http://www.ghrd.org:80/

  Petition to Stop Gang Rapes in Bangladesh: http://www.ghrd.org/default.asp?ID=2486

	Women continue to suffer despite political changes in Bangladesh
	The political situation has seen some major changes in Bangladesh over the year since the President declared a state of emergency and resigned from the post on 11 January 2007. The head of the Caretaker Government, Fakhruddin Ahmed, vowed to crack down on corruption and violence within the country and this crackdown led to numerous politicians being arrested. The detainees included politicians, businessmen and others accused of involvement in extortion and other acts of corruption, including the two former Prime Ministers and main leaders of the Bangladeshi political scene: Sheikh Hasina (Awami League) and Khaleda Zia (Bangladesh Nationalist Party). In August, violent clashes occurred between police and students, who were demanding an end to emergency rule. This led to curfews in Dhaka and five other cities.  The government says elections will be held only once it has rid the country of corruption, and promises that will be achieved by the end of the year 2008. The government’s aspiration to end corruption is a welcomed move –Transparency International has placed Bangladesh at the bottom of its Corruption Perceptions Index for four years running. Corruption is also one of the main obstacles for women to obtain justice for crimes committed against them. However, reports from our reliable and various sources unfortunately shows that the situation for women in Bangladesh continues to be a major problem. GHRD continues  to recieve rape cases every week.  Considering the current instability within Bangladesh, and the apparent impotence of the authorities to implement their own legislation, the problems faced by women, as faced by minority groups in Bangladesh, are likely to continue.  GHRDs campaign “Stop the Gang Rapes” will therefore continue to raise awareness about sexual violence in Bangladesh, to encourage the present and future government to acknowledge the difficult position women obtain in the country.
	The petition
	Our goal of 3000 petitions is almost reached! We have received signatures from about 34 countries. The petition will be handed over to the Dutch Human Rights Commission on 10 December in The Hague.  The top 5 countries are The Netherlands (with close to 500 signatures), Italy, USA, UK and Sweden. If you still haven’t signed the petition, please do so by clicking here.
	Lobbying
	GHRD continues to pressurise the Bangladeshi authorities to investigate alleged rape cases against the minorities. Whereas GHRDs observer investigates and demands action of the local judiciary and police in Bangladesh, the head office is informing international agencies and governments. Lobbying involves International Urgent Appeals, as well as direct meetings and consultations with governmental officials. In August, GHRD met with the political secretary from the Embassy of the United Kingdom to the Netherlands and the Minister Counsellor at the Royal Norwegian Embassy. GHRD expressed their concern about the current situation and delivered Investigative reports together with the 2006 Annual Human Rights Report for Bangladesh. The representatives listened with great concern and interest and have reported back to their respective governments and embassies in Dhaka. In October, GHRD's observer in Dhaka visited Washington and met with Members of the US Congress and the Foreign Policy Advisor of US Government. Video statements of rape victims were presented and investigative reports delivered. GHRD also  met with Amnesty International in London the past weekend. GHRD will continue its lobbying next to the Embassies in The Hague the upcoming months.

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