French Human Rights Ambassador Honours Human Rights Defenders at Paris

On 28th February 2023, Delphine Borione, the Human Rights Ambassador of France, hosted a dinner at her residence in Paris, inviting prominent human rights defenders from around the world. The aim of the event was to discuss pressing human rights issues and to honor those who have been working tirelessly to promote and protect human rights in their respective countries.

Amongst the 12 human rights defenders invited to the dinner was Shahanur Islam, a Bangladeshi lawyer and human rights activist and founder secretary general of JusticeMakers Bangladesh, who has been actively advocating for human rights in his country. Shahanur Islam has been known for his dedication and commitment towards the promotion and protection of human rights, especially in the areas of freedom of expression, gender equality, and the rights of minorities including LGBTQI.

The event was attended by several dignitaries, including the Laura Lohéac, President and Anne Souléliac, Secretary General of the Marianne Initiative for Human Rights Defender, the Deputy Director of the Foreign Ministry of France, and the Ambassador of LGBTQI rights in France. The selection committee of Marianne Initiative was also present at the dinner.

During the event, the guests engaged in fruitful discussions on various pressing human rights issues, such as the right to freedom of expression, the protection of minorities including LGBTQI+, and the promotion of gender equality. The guests also shared their experiences and challenges faced in their respective countries while advocating for human rights.

Delphine BORIONE, the host of the event, praised the efforts of the human rights defenders and emphasized the importance of their work in promoting and protecting human rights. She also reiterated France’s commitment to supporting human rights defenders around the world.

Shahanur Islam, the Bangladeshi human rights defender, expressed his gratitude for being invited to the event and for the opportunity to share his experiences and challenges. He emphasized the importance of solidarity among human rights defenders and the need for continued support from the international community to promote and protect human rights globally.

The dinner was a powerful reminder of the importance of human rights and the need for continued efforts to protect and promote them. The guests left the event with renewed hope and determination to continue their work towards a world where human rights are respected and protected for all.

Here specially mentions that the Marianne Initiative was launched by the president of republic of France 10th December 2021 aims to better assist the human rights defenders I their struggle both abroad and in France.