JMBF Founder Shahanur Islam Speaks at Geneva Event on Gender, Justice, and Refugee Law

 Advocate Shahanur Islam, the founder and president of JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), delivered a compelling speech today at the 2024 NGO Consultations Side Event titled "Gender, Justice, and the Law: Legal and Practical Challenges for Refugees," held at the Geneva International Conference Centre on 10 June 2024. The event focused on the critical issue of access to legal services for women, girls, and LGBTQI+ refugees.

This side event was organized by PILnet, the Danish Refugee Council (DRC), St. Andrews Refugee Service (StARS), and members of the legal community. It aimed to share knowledge and best practices on addressing the legal and practical challenges faced by refugees, particularly in the context of gender justice.

The event precedes the UNHCR Global Consultations with NGOs, scheduled to take place in Geneva from 11-13 June 2024. Additionally, the 2024 Global Strategic Litigation Roundtable is set for the afternoon of June 10, where members of the GRF Legal Community Pledge Core Group and the Global Strategic Litigation Council will convene for an informal side event, which Advocate Shahanur Islam will also attend.

In his address, Advocate Shahanur Islam highlighted the pervasive issue of LGBTQI+ refugees facing barriers in accessing legal services. He drew on his experiences to emphasize the main challenges these refugees encounter, including social stigma, discrimination, and a lack of understanding or awareness about their specific needs. He also shared insights on how Bangladeshi LGBTQI+ asylum seekers and refugees receive legal support and protection in France, and how JMBF strives to make its legal services accessible and inclusive.

"The event underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing these pressing issues and called for increased support and resources to enhance the protection and legal assistance available to vulnerable refugee populations," said Islam. "Our goal is to advance access to rights, justice, and solutions for women, girls, and LGBTQI+ refugees."

The discussions highlighted the need for a more inclusive and just approach to refugee protection, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of gender or sexual orientation, have access to the legal services and protections they need. The gathering of experts and advocates in Geneva marks a significant step forward in the global effort to address the challenges faced by refugees and to promote gender justice and legal protection for all.