ReportOUT and JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France Collaborate to Study LGBTQI Issues in Bangladesh

In a landmark move, ReportOUT, a UK-based human rights research organization, partners with JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) to delve into the realities of sexual and gender minorities in Bangladesh.

In a groundbreaking collaboration for human rights advocacy, two internationally recognized organizations, ReportOUT from the United Kingdom and JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), have officially sealed a Memorandum of Understanding. The agreement, inked in October 2023, is poised to undertake an extensive study focusing on the LGBTQI community in Bangladesh.

Representatives Drew Dalton, Chair, and Founder, alongside Phil Thomas, Lead Trustee of Human Rights Research, represented ReportOUT. On the other side, Advocate Shahanur Islam, Founder President of JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), stood as the face of the Memorandum of Understanding.

The MoU outlines a comprehensive plan to conduct in-depth research on LGBTQI issues in Bangladesh, commencing from November 1, 2023, and concluding on November 1, 2024. The collaborative research initiative aims to amalgamate the research proficiency of ReportOUT with the community engagement and networks of JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF).

The primary focus of this joint effort is to capture and document the real-life experiences of sexual and gender minorities living in Bangladesh. This endeavor will take the shape of a multifaceted research project, involving a literature review, a comprehensive survey, and the curation of anonymized case studies to illuminate individual stories.

Specifically aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and emphasizing human rights, the survey will be meticulously designed, and the selected focus topics will be collectively determined prior to publication.

ReportOUT, known for its commitment to documenting the experiences of sexual and gender minorities globally, utilizes its research to educate the public, advocate for policy changes, and raise awareness about human rights violations.

JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), an independent non-profit organization registered in France, operates under the ethos of defending human rights, striving for justice, and empowering communities not only in Bangladesh but also beyond its borders.

This collaborative effort not only signifies a step forward in shedding light on LGBTQI issues but also underscores the power of global partnerships in advocating for human rights and social justice.

The outcome of this joint research endeavor is eagerly anticipated by advocates and individuals vested in the pursuit of equality and rights for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.