Centre for Peace and Justice
“Empowerment for Peace and Social Justice”
APRIL-DECEMBER 2018
ANNUAL
REPORT
2018
SN Title Page 1 Message from Executive Director ... 01 2 Acknowledgements ... 02
3 About CPJ
Our Objectives Our Milestone Ahead
Our work ... 03
4 Our Vision & Mission
Objectives for 2018 ... 04 5 Academic Programme ... 05 6 Research Programme ... 06-09 7 Training Programme ... 10-11 8 Capacity building of the CPJ Team ... ... 11 9 Events Organised by CPJ Team ... 12-14 10 Events Attended by CPJ Team ... 15-16 11 Projects Implementation ... 17 12 Outreach, Engagement and Partnership ... 18 13 Engagement with UN agencies ... 18-19 14 MoUs signed in 2018 ... 19 15 Publications ... 19-20
16 Plans for 2019
Academic Research
Training ... 21 17 Publications ... 22 18 Networking, Partnership and Outreach ... 22
Message from Executive Director Manzoor Hasan,OBE
This second annual report of The Centre for Peace and Justice (CPJ) of Brac University focuses on our work related to “Empowerment for Peace and Social Justice”over the last year.
By upholding the CPJ’s five year strategic theme “Creating Knowledge for Social Empowerment” CPJ took numerous initiatives under academic, research, training and advocacy programme. Among our key outputs for the year are the launching of short course on SDG 16; the official launching of the Bangla-English version of the Paralegal Module in Dhaka; bringing paralegal training in the field of humanitarian support; undertaking three research projects on Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in Bangladesh, and Promoting Peaceful and Cohesive Society. In support of UN Women wembarked on an innovative project with two regional public universities in Bangladesh on capacity building of young women towards promoting a peaceful and cohesive society. CPJ had a strong presence in the public media by co-organising international conference, and seminar on the issue of justice and accountability for Rohingya Refugees. CPJ hold a public lecture by Honourable Bob Rae, special envoy of Canadian Prime Minister on Rohingya Refugee Crisis.
We are committed to continue our endeavour towards creating knowledge and engagement in the field of peace, fragility, social justice and open society. I am delighted with the support received by our partners, resource persons and colleagues at the CPJ.
We would like to thank the following organizations for their support to the various activities around Access to Justice and Social Inclusion, namely:
•
ActionAid Bangladesh
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Ain o Salish Kendro, Bangladesh
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Bangladesh Legal Aid and Service Trust, Bangladesh
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Bangladesh National Women Lawyers Association, Bangladesh
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Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur
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BRAC, Bangladesh
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BRAC, USA
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Centre for Genocide Studies, Dhaka University
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Council of Minorities, Bangladesh
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Dhaka University, Bangladesh
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Friendship, Bangladesh
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Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University, Mymensingh
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LAND Network, Sirajgonj
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Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore
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LightCastle Partners
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Madaripur Legal Aid Association, Bangladesh
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Move Foundation, Bangladesh
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MUKTI, Kushtia
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Nagorik Uddyog, Bangladesh
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Naripokkho, Bangladesh
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National Law University, Odisha, India
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North South University, Bangladesh
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Open Society Foundation, Hungary
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Save and Serve Foundation, Chattogram
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The Konrad Adenauer Foundation
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UN Women, Bangladesh
Acknowledgements
About CPJ
The Centre for Peace and Justice (CPJ) was established in March 2017 with the approval of the BRAC University Board of Trustees. It is BRAC University’s exciting new addition to the family of postgraduate institutes. The mission of the Centre is to promote global peace and social justice through the means of education, training, research and advocacy with the vision of a just, peaceful and inclusive society.
CPJ is committed to identifying and promoting sustainable and inclusive solutions to a wide range of global concerns, including fragility, conflict and violence. CPJ has vast experience in the formal legal sector and in non-formal legal sector. Since its inception, CPJ has developed a broad network of legal aid and legal empowerment organizations and academic institutions in Bangladesh and in other South Asian countries.
Our objectives
• Promote and support quality multi-disciplinary education to create human capital that promotes and sustains peace and social justice;
• Undertake research on peace, fragility, violence and social justice in order to generate knowledge and empirical evidence;
• Offer multi-level training and workshop to build capacities of practitioners, academics, researchers and trainers; and
• Advocate reform with relevant stakeholders in key peace and social justice arenas.
Academic
Developing education programmes; credit and non- credit certificate and diploma courses on peace and justice related issues
Training
Enhancing capacity of informal justice sector through training on paralegalism, mediation and arbitration
Research
Building research capacity; creating vibrant platform for academics and researchers to gather empirical evidence on peace and fragility, social justice and open society
Our Milestone Ahead
Our Work
“P ce through education, training, research and advocacy for a just, peaceful and inclusive society.”
Our Vision & Mission
Objectives for 2019
• To initiatives on issues of Access to Justice, Inclusion, Promoting Peace and Social Cohesion
• To increase capacity of youth on social entrepreneurship for promoting peace and social cohesion
• To introduce short courses related to SDG 16
• To advocate justice for Rohingya Refugees at national and global level
“The peace and entrepreneurship training is the greatest achievement in my life to discover myself and reinvent our inner leadership and talents towards social change. Today CPJ is implementing this project, but we aspire one day we will also be able to lead such mega project for women’s development. Because we have learned how to work collectively and how to think collectively’’.
Sadia Binty Siddik, participants of 3-day Women Entrepreneurship Training at Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh.
romoting global peace and social justi
foster research
Academic Programme
Short course on SDG 16: Achieving Just, Peaceful and Inclusive Societies
The CPJ team was exceptionally pleased to offer its Inaugural Short Course SDG 16:
Achieving Just, Peaceful and Inclusive Societies’. The course offers unique insights on the major issues surrounding peace, justice and inclusivity. It describes the evolving roles and challenges of state and non-state actors at different levels in fostering just, peaceful and inclusive societies. The course provides an overview of the sustainable development goals, and focuses on some of the key targets of Goal 16, such as violence, conflict, access to justice, inclusive and strong institutions. The course ran for four weeks, from November 19th to December 13th under instruction of the Executive Director of CPJ, Manzoor Hasan, Dr. Niloy Ranjan Biswas, and Shahariar Sadat.
A total of 23 participant’s completed the course successfully. Among the participant’s 12 were male and 11 were female. The distinguished guests, Ms Haruno Nakashiba of UNHCR, Mr Fazlul Huq of Madaripur Legal Aid Association, Brig General Zakir Hossain of NSI, Ms Mia Seppo, UN, Mr Asif Saleh of BRAC among other delivered guest lectures in the short course.
Prior to introducing the short course, CPJ conducted a Market Assessment of Short Courses under Academic Programme of CPJ, which was implemented by LightCastle Partners during August –September 2018.
Research Programme
CPJ implemented and/or initiated a total of five research project during April-December 2018. In addition, two research workshops were organised on Identifying Knowledge Gaps in Research on Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions; and Access to Justice in Asia.
Research Study on Rights and Protections of Persons with Disabilities Client: BRAC Advocacy for Social Change
Period: April– July 2018
CPJ has conducted a research project titled “Study on the Rights and Protection of the Persons with Disabilities Act 2013”. It was conducted jointly with BRAC Advocacy for Social Change. The methodology included desk research and focus group discussion (FGD).
The FGDs included individuals with disabilities, as well as representatives from various organigations such as HelpAge International, Center for the Rehabilitation of the Paralyzed (CRP), Society for the Welfare of the Intellectually Disabled (SWID), Turning Point Foundation, Society of the Deaf & Sign Language Users (SDSL), BRAC Advocacy for Social Change, James P. Grants School of Public Health at BRAC University.
The study finds that the initiative undertaken by the Government of Bangladesh to ensure the rights and protection of persons with disabilities (PWD) through implementation of law and rules is commendable. Section 16 of the Rights and Protection of the persons with Disabilities Act 2013) provides an exhaustive list of rights that a PWD can enjoy, the list ranges from right to live and develop on full swing to accessibility, employability in regard of their personal capacity, right to education right to health services and so on.
This study did a reality check of the relevant legal framework in terms of accessibility including universal design, personal mobility, training of people dealing with PWD, education, work and employment and finally the administrative procedure; and access to justice including equal recognition before law, administrative interference with right to access to justice and eventually legal procedure that PWD need to exhaust. Based on the empirical findings, the study set out few recommendations to realise the full rights and protection of PWD.
Market Assessment of Short Courses on Peace and Justice Related Topics
CPJ research team commissioned a market assessment study for understanding the need for academic trainings and short courses on topics related to peace and justice during August to September 2018. Key objectives of the study were: (1) Identifying the needs/expectations of identified potential beneficiary/clients of CPJ within Bangladesh and promote exposure of CPJ among the identified target groups of beneficiary/client, (2) Assessing the demand as well as needs for the short courses and the appropriateness of course modules (content, and mode of teaching) and fees.
On behalf of CPJ, Light Castle Partners conducted a field level survey among 244 students and 73 professionals, while 27 KIIs were conducted. From the study it was found that short- courses had a demand in the market indicated by 81% of student respondents and 92% of professional respondents being interested in pursuing a short-courses in future.
Professionals were interested in intensive courses while students were more interested in monthly courses. For students, the main motivation for attending these courses was the possibility of securing a job in NGOs and human rights organizations, with focus on peace and justice. This is reflected in their expectation of having research and fieldwork exposure and networking opportunities from the course. While for professionals, the main motivating factor was obtaining specialised knowledge that would fast-track their current career or help them pursue a more specialised role in the development field.
Among the different course topics provided by CPJ, “Leadership and Negotiation Skills Towards Peace and Conflict Resolution”, “International Cooperation in Peace and Conflict Resolution” and “Women Urbanization Peace and Justice” were the courses where comparatively higher interest was found.
Context Study on Promoting Peaceful Societies Client: Community Empowerment Programme (CEP), BRAC Period: October 2018– May 2019
CPJ implemented a ‘Context Study on Promoting Peaceful Societies’ for Community Empowerment Programme of BRAC. This is a pilot study in two Upazilas of Mymensingh and Rangpur district, which to be completed in March 2019. Following qualitative research methodology, this study captured perceptions of community members (men, women, social and religious leaders, service providers, local civil society personalities, local government representatives, and students) on radicalisation, individual and collective aspirations and frustrations which they believe deter peace and cause fragilities in the community. Through these perceptions, the study assesses the nature, extent and causes of violence, social injustice, exclusion and radicalisation, at the community level. It has been done by taking into consideration causes and explanations for radicalisation provided for the global and national level in Bangladesh. Based on the narratives, it came up with a list of causes that are relevant for the local context, as enunciated by community members themselves. The outcome of the context study aimed to help CEP to formulate future strategy and intervention for promoting peace and justice in the community.
Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Youth in Promoting Peace and Social Cohesion Client: UN Women, Bangladesh
Period: October 2018 – March 2019
The aim of the research to assess the current state of knowledge, a�tude and prac�ce of students in Promo�ng Peace, and Social Cohesion. Following a mixed method strategy, CPJ research team will conduct a representa�ve sample survey on the students of two regional universi�es; Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur and Ja�ya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University, Mymensingh. After rigorous desk research, CPJ research team plans to undertake further research to understand the local context and to identify the key thematic issues. Our research team organised six research design workshops with students and faculty members of Begum Rokeya University Rangpur and Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University, Mymensingh. Based on the findings of these workshops, study methodology had been designed and the data collections tools had been drafted. The survey is expected to be conducted in early 2019. In support of UN Women, a five member research team led by Dr. Samia Huq, Associate Professor of Department of Economics and Social Sciences, Brac University has been implementing this research.
UNDP Social Cohesion, Resilience and Peacebuilding between Host Populations and Rohingya Communities in Cox's Bazar
Client: Community Resilience and Recovery Programme (C2RP), UNDP- Dhaka Period: December 2018-June 2019
CPJ has been commissioned a research project titled ‘Awareness and Advocacy Workshop on Social Cohesion, Resilience and Peace Building between Host Populations and Rohingya Communities’by Community Resilience and Recovery Programme (C2RP) of UNDP. Under this project CPJ will organise 7 Advocacy Workshops for following purpose;
- Mapping problems and seeking the causes gaps between the Rohingya and host communities
- Awareness and Leadership Development Workshop for social cohesion and resilience
- Diagnosis the impact of Rohingya influx on host communities
- Policy recommendation to promote social cohesion, peaceful co-existence, reduce tension, enhance resilience between host populations and Rohingya communities.
This project is expected to bring a set of recommendation to promote peace and cohesion between the Rohingya Refugee and the host community in Cox’s Bazar. A four member research team led by Ms. Jessica Olney, Visiting Researcher at the CPJ, Brac University has been involved in this research.
Research workshop on Identifying Knowledge Gaps in Research on Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions Access to Justice in Asia
In August 2018, CPJ co-organised a research workshop with The Asia Foundation on
“Identifying Knowledge Gaps in Research on Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions” in Colombo, Sri Lanka, 11 August 2018. The research workshop was attended by a dozen participants and aimed at identifying knowledge gaps and to some extent, mapping existing work and discuss potential research areas to pursue. The topics covered during the discussion included: Towards Transformative Change, From Co-Creation of Research to Empowerment, The Politics of Inclusion, Participation and the People’s Agency, Gender and Transgender Justice, Space for the Counter Narrative. The workshop was facilitated by Dr.
Caroline Brassard, Academic Advisor of CPJ, Brac University.
On October 18-19, 2018, CPJ organised a two-day “Regional Research Workshop on Access to Justice in Asia” in Bangkok, Thailand. This workshop also intended to foster collaboration with a variety of other universities and to mutually strengthen opportunities for faculty to participate in ground-breaking, industry leading research. The workshop aimed to develop a shared learning agenda for the co-production of research promoting dialogue between activists/practitioners and academics in the field of access to justice in Asia. About 20 participants attended the workshop, from universities, NGOs, and international organisations working in the field of access to justice in Asia, from various countries, including Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Singapore, and friends from the UK and the USA. Participants from various professions, including development economists and practitioners, lawyers, political scientists, specialists in human rights, gender rights, science and technological innovations, legal empowerment, were able to offer unique lenses to discussions and brainstorm sessions and share their insights and perspectives.
The workshop focused on two themes: Theme 1: Mobilisation, Engagement and Voice: This theme refers to the changing role and impact of institutions at the local and community level, and Theme 2: Statelessness, Refugees and Displacements: As a burning issue in the region, this theme encompasses issues such as climate justice, fragility and forced migration.
Rich dialogue led to the development of a substantial research agenda related to "Access to Justice in Asia," and a number of commitments to unpack these questions further.
Regional Research Workshop on Access to Justice in Asia, October 18-19, 2018, Bangkok Thailand. Organised by Center for Peace and Justice of Brac University.
Regional Research Workshop on Access to Justice in Asia
Training Programme
Official Launch of the English version of the Paralegal Training Module – 2018 After the launching of the Bangla-language paralegal training module in Bangkok at the
“Asian Leadership Colloquium on Legal Empowerment and Access to Justice” in last December 2017. CPJ worked hard to translate the 250-page module into a more condensed English version. On August 4th 2018, CPJ officially launched both the both Bangla and English version of the module in Dhaka. The Center is committed to enhancing the capacity of the informal justice sector through such resources like the paralegal training modules and still plans to utilized them in future paralegal certificate courses.
Basic Training for Paralegals for Save and Serve Foundation in Chattogram CPJ conducted a “Law Appreciation” course on 9-14 September 2018 for the Save and Serve Foundation, a partner of the United Nations Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect and the United Nations Development Programme. Over 20 participants received this training over the course of six days. Most participants were male volunteers from the community who were educated in national and madrassa curriculums.
Basic Training for Paralegal for MUKTI
In October 2018, CPJ delivered a basic paralegal certification course for MUKTI, a development organisation based in Cox’s Bazar. Over 25 people participated, the majority of which were female officials at various levels.
Refresher course for community paralegals of Friendship, Gaibandha
CPJ conducted two refresher course at Friendship, Gaibandha in November 2018. Total 48 community paralegals and supervisors attended in these courses. These paralegals are working in their community in remote chars in Gaibandha and Kurigram District. They received basic paralegal training in 2017.
Training for Youth Community Volunteers of Move Foundation
In December 2018 a tailor made training were provided to 26 youth community volunteers of Move Foundation in Barishal. Most of the participants were students from both national and madrassa curriculums. The objective of the training was to develop and enhance participant’s knowledge and skills on basic laws of Bangladesh.
Human Rights and Gender Training for Friendship in Cox’s Bazar on August CPJ in collaboration with Friendship, organised and conducted a Capacity Building Training on Human Rights and Gender at Cox’s Bazar from 12 to 14 August 2018. CPJ was the knowledge partner in this capacity building programme for teachers and officials, who are working to create safe spaces for children in Rohingya refugee camps managed by Friendship. The training was attended by 27 participants (women 18 and men 9). After the successful completion of the three-day training, certificate of attendance was given to the participants.
Capacity building of the CPJ Team
CPJ organised a Pedagogy Training on 15th& 16th April 2018 for selected faculty members of Brac University and other public and private university based in Dhaka. The training covered various issues related to develop course materials like case study based learning, and problem based learning as well as facilitation skills. This training was designed and moderated by Dr. Caroline Brassard, Academic Advisor of CPJ, Brac University.
Shahariar Sadat, Academic Coordinator, CPJ, obtained a Masters in Industrial and Employment Relations at ITCILO under university of Turin, Italy. He was awarded scholarship to attend the programme. The distance learning phase covered from 10 October 2017 to 16 January 2018. He attended the residential phase in Turin from 21 January to 6 April 2018.
Events Organised by CPJ Team
International Conference on the Rohingya Refugee Crisis: Towards Sustainable Solutions - April, 2018
CPJ co-organised the first International Conference on the Rohingya Refugee Crisis:
Towards Sustainable Solutions on 2-3 April, 2018, Dhaka, with ActionAid Bangladesh and the Centre for Genocide Studies of Dhaka University. The conference was attended by various national and international researchers, academics, and practitioners. Dr. Gowher Rizvi, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's International Affairs Adviser, Md. Shahidul Islam, Foreign Secretary of GoB, Professor Imtiaz Ahmed of International Relations Department and Director of Centre for Genocide Studies, Dhaka University, Manzoor Hasan, Executive Director of Centre for Peace and Justice, Brac University; Sudipto Mukerjee, Country Director of UNDP Bangladesh, Farah Kabir, Country Director of ActionAid Bangladesh spoke in the conference among others.
Speakers have urged the international community to “comprehensively investigate the ongoing acts of genocide, mass atrocities, crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing” in Myanmar’s Rakhine state. They have also demanded prosecution and punishment of those responsible for these violations, and protect the Rohingyas from further harm. Experts and dignitaries from Bangladesh and several other countries as well as different international organisations made the call in the “Dhaka Declaration” that they came up with at the end of the conference, outlining measures to find sustainable solutions to the ongoing Rohingya crisis.
Co-organised international seminar on Accountability: ICC and the Rohingya Crisis- June 2018
The Centre for Peace and Justice of Brac University, Centre for Genocide Studies of Dhaka University (DU) and ActionAid Bangladesh jointly organised the seminar on "Accountability:
ICC and the Rohingya Crisis" in June 2018 at Nawab Nabab Ali Chowdhury Senate Building of Dhaka University.
Speakers at a seminar in the city urged the government to submit its observations and documents relating to Rohingyas forced out from Myanmar to the International Criminal Court (ICC) within the given timeframe and assist ICC in building pressure on Myanmar on this issue.
Public lecture by Honourable Rob Rae, Canadian Prime Minister’s Special Envoy
CPJ, Brac University organised a public lecture by Honourable Rob Rae, Canadian Prime Minister’s Special Envoy to Myanmar on Rohingya Refugee Crisis in May 2018. Prior to public lecture Mr. Rae submitted a report to the Canadian Government where he urged Canada to take a leadership role in resolving the Rohingya crisis. Myanmar authorities must face accountability for the crimes against the Rohingyas. Various UN and NGO representatives, academics and human rights activist among other were present at the event. The Lecture was covered by most of the national dailies of Bangladesh.
‘Thursday Talk’ On Rohingya Crisis & The ICC Process on September 27, 2018 CPJ organised a Thursday Talk on Rohingya Crisis and The ICC Process on September 27, 2018 at CPJ conference room. Mr. Manzoor Hasan OBE and Qazi Omar Foysal facilitated the discussion on the ICC process and answered various questions of participants. CPJ collegues and friends were participated the talk.
Events Attended by CPJ Team
01. Manzoor Hasan presented paper on ‘Caretaker Government in Bangladesh:
02. Manzoor Hasan, Executive Director of CPJ attended “Freedoms of Peaceful
03. Shahariar Sadat, Academic Coordinator, CPJ attended Panning Meeting for the 8th Asia Pro Bono Conference, February 17-18 in Kathmandu, Nepal.
05. Manzoor Hasan participated in the International conference on Reimagining Justice:
Realizing Human Rights through Legal Empowerment, April 26-27, 2018 hosted by NYU School of Law’s Robert L. Bernstein Institute for Human Rights, New York, USA.
06.Manzoor Hasan attended the “Learning Exchange on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE)” in Kuala Lumpur on August 27-28, 2018. The event was co-hosted by UNDP and Hedayah. The two-day programme reviewed various international good practices on PCVE and explored potential cross-government strategic responses.
04. Manzoor Hasan, ED of CPJ participated in the annual UNHCR 2018 NGO Consultation held in Geneva in June 2018. Mr. Hasan was the speaker of the session titled
‘’Putting the refugees at the centre of solutions in Asia’’. The Annual Consultations between UNHCR and NGOs represent the largest global opportunity for NGOs to exchange views on forced displacement with UNHCR and peers. Held in Geneva from 27-29 June, the 2018 meeting included 523 participants from 287 organisations and 88 countries.
Association and Assembly: Access to Resources Workshop” held on Washington. Mr. Hasan also met with various organisations, such as, The Open Society Foundation, National Democratic Institute, NAMATI, World Bank, National Endowment for Democracy from 25th November 2018 to 3rd December 2018.
Misconception, Mistrust and Unsustainable Innovation – Lessons for South Asia’ at Conference on Comparative Constitutionalism in South Asia on 21-22 July 2018 organised by University of Pennsylvania, Institute for the Advanced Study of India.
10. Manzoor Hasan, ED of CPJ participated in The 7th Asia Pacific Consultation on Refugee Rights (APCRR7) held from 23-25 October 2018 in Bangkok, Thailand.
APCRR7 is hosted and coordinated by the Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network (APRRN).
11. Manzoor Hasan, ED of CPJ participated in 7th Asia Pro Bono Conference in Hong Kong on 25 - 27 October 2018 Hong Kong. The conference brings together academics, law students, lawyers, judiciary, pro bono professionals, policy makers, civil society and non-profit representatives to consider the multifarious ways pro bono initiatives can strengthen access to justice in Asia and internationally.
08. Caroline Brassard attended the Conference on “Migration and Refugees in South Asia: Quest for a New Legal Regime”, Organised by The Center for South Asian Studies
12. Caroline Brassard, Academic Adviser, attended the Singapore Humanitarian Network and Research Meeting which launched the network as a formal initiative.
During the meeting, it was decided that CPJ would co-lead the Education Cluster to foster greater linkages between academic research towards educational outputs and policy advocacy. The event was held in Singapore on December 6, 2018
09. Caroline Brassard Academic Advisor of CPJ attended the Singapore Red Cross 4th Humanitarian Conference 2018 on “Humanitarian Challenges of Refugees and Displaced Persons”, Singapore, October 13, 2018.
07.Manzoor Hasan attended the second meeting of the Asia Pacific Partnership for Atrocity Prevention (APPAP) and the High Level meeting ‘Strengthening Regional Cooperation for Atrocity Prevention in the Asia Pacific’, which were held in Bangkok on August 22-23, 2018. The Asia-Pacific Center for the Responsibility to Protect (R2P), which is based in the University of Queensland, Australia organized the meetings together with Chulalongkorn University of Thailand. The meetings reviewed the activities of APPAP working groups and highlighted the critical need to accelerate the implementation of the R2P and to strengthen regional efforts to prevent atrocity crimes. Mr. Hasan represented the Statelessness Network for Asia and Pacific (SNAP) and the Center for Peace and Justice of Brac University.
Projects Implementation
Empowered Women, Peaceful Communities Project Partner: UN Women, Bangladesh
Period: June 2018 – March 2019
CPJ has launched a ground breaking project entitled “Empowered Women, Peaceful Communities” in partnership with two regional universities, Begum Rokeya University Rangpur (BRUR) and Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University (JKKNIU), Mymensingh. In August 2018, the Universities signed a MoU, agreeing to cooperate on the topics of promoting peace, social justice and inclusive society by supporting students, especially women, with access to research, training, and
advocacy efforts. CPJ will provide a comprehensive Training on Peace building, Leadership and Entrepreneurship to 150-200 female students at each partner university. The project, funded by UN Women, launched in June 2018 and will be wrapped up in March 2019.
CPJ developed a tailor-made, three-day training module on women entrepreneurship to engage the female students in dialogue, build resilience against violent extremism, and promote social cohesion. The training has two components: a one-day innovation workshop a two-day business planning boot camp.
CPJ organised two promotional seminars on the training on site at the two universities and over 120 students and faculty members participated.
So far, CPJ has provided training to 290 female students of Begum Rokeya University Rangpur and Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University in 2018.
Student from Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur presenting their project during at Women
Entrepreneurship Training conducted by Center for Peace and Justice, BracU at BRAC Learning Centre, Rangpur, October 2018
Outreach, Engagement and Partnership
Successful submission to the International Criminal Court on the Rohingya Crisis In June 2018, the Center for Peace and Justice, in collaboration with the Center for Genocide Studies of Dhaka University and Action Aid Bangladesh, organised an International seminar on “Accountability: The International Criminal Court and the Rohingya Crisis” at Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban at the University of Dhaka. As an action item driven by the seminar, CPJ lead the process to prepare a submission to the International Criminal Court arguing that the ICC has jurisdiction over Myanmar vis a vis the offence of deportation under the Rome Statute. That same month, CPJ served as a co-signatory of on the Amicus Curiae Observations to the International Criminal Court on behalf of Bangladeshi Non-Governmental Representatives. In September 2018, the ICC chief prosecutor announced that ICC would bring inquiry into the recent atrocities related to the Rohingya crisis. CPJ’s leadership of a submission by the Bangladeshi Non-Governmental group is a tremendous accomplishment of the Center that exemplifies its sincere mission to promote global peace and social justice.
Engagement with UN agencies
CPJ is also exploring growth opportunities with several agencies at the United Nations. In June 2018, CPJ participated in the annual UNHCR 2018 NGO Consultation held in Geneva in June 2018. In October 2018, Executive Director Manzoor Hasan participated in a workshop and a regional launch of the “Pathways for Peace” report in Bangkok organised by United Nations and World Bank. In November 2018, CPJ commenced a project focused on relations between the host population in Cox’s Bazar and the Rohingya community in close coordination with the UNDP.
Below is a summary of CPJ’s key engagements and leadership activities with various partners in the January – December 2018 period;
• Signing of Memorandum of Understanding with Dr. Wazed Research and Training Institute of Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur in July 2018
• Technical assistance to the Council of Minorities in organising the Annual National Minorities Youth Leadership Summit in July 2018
• Signing of Memorandum of Understanding with Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University and Brac University on July 15, 2018
• Organised 6th Steering Group meeting of the National Legal Empowerment Organisations on October 2, 2018
• Regional Roundtable: ‘Protecting Rohingya Refugees in South & Southeast Asia – Challenges, Opportunities and Ways Forward’ on October 22, 2018 at Bangkok participated by Manzoor Hasan
Workshop and a regional launch of the “Pathways for Peace” report in Bangkok organised by United Nations and World Bank on October 18-19, 2018
• Asia Regional workshop on “Access to Justice and Legal Empowerment” in Hong Kong organised by Open Society Justice Initiative, Namati, and BABSEACLE on October 24, 2018
• “Roundtable on Documenting Citizenship and Other Forms of Legal identity:
Community-Based Approaches” on October 27-28, 2018 organised by Statelessness Network for Asia and Pacific (SNAP)
• Co-signatory of Amicus Curiae Observations to the International Criminal Court on behalf of Bangladeshi Non-Governmental Representatives in June 2018
MoUs signed in 2018
• North South University, Dhaka
• Friendship, Dhaka
• LAND Network, Sirajgonj
• MUKTI, Kushtia
• Save and Serve Foundation, Chottogram
• Council of Minorities, Dhaka
• Awaj Foundation, Dhaka
• Dr. Wazed Research and Training Institute, Begum Rokeya University, Ranpgur
• Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University, Mymensingh
Publications
Book Chapter
Manzoor Hasan and Caroline Brassard wrote a book chapter on Inclusive Justice for the Rohingya People: Leveraging on Legal Instruments and Community-Centric Strategies for the Conference on Migration and Refugees in South Asia: Quest for a New Legal Regime, Organised by The Centre for South Asian Studies (CSAS) and The Rule of Law Programme of Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS), November 2018
Journal Article
Muhammad Badiuzzaman, Research Coordinator, CPJ co-authored a journal article
Improving Maternal Health Care in a Post Conflict Setting: Evidence from Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh, The Journal of Development Studies.
https://doi.org/10.1080/00220388.2018.1554211
Muhammad Badiuzzaman, Research Coordinator, CPJ co-authored a journal article Food Insecurity and Conflict Events in Africa, Peace Economics, Peace Science and Public Policy, DE GRUYTER,
https://www.degruyter.com/view/j/peps.ahead-of-print/peps-2018-0007/peps-2018-0007.xml
Op Eds
Shahariar Sadat, Academic Coordinator, CPJ wrote an Op-Ed “Prayers are not enough”
following the Chawk Bazar Fire incident: https://www.dhakatribune.com/opinion/op- ed/2019/02/27/prayers-are-not-enough
Shahariar Sadat, Academic Coordinator, CPJ wrote an Op-Ed ‘’What ride-sharing apps can teach us about accountability’’
Available at https://www.dhakatribune.com/opinion/op-ed/2018/01/30/ride-sharing-apps-can- teach-us-accountability
Manzoor Hasan, Executive Director of CPJ wrote an Op-EdDhaka, Ottawa and The Hague: Rohingya Convergence published in the Daily Star
https://www.thedailystar.net/opinion/human- rights/dhaka-ottawa-and-the-hague- rohingya-convergence-1564465
Manzoor Hasan, Executive Director of CPJ wrote an Op-Ed ICC & Rohingya:
Bangladesh Demands Accountability, Peace & Justice, published in the Daily Star https://www.thedailystar.net/opinion/human-rights/bangladesh-demands-accountability-peace -and-justice-1582768
Plans for 2019
The activities in CPJ’s ‘SMART’ annual plan are grouped under training, academic teaching, research, publication and outreach, each supporting the strategic goals laid out in the five- year strategic plan of 2018-2022.
Academic
Our strategic goals for academic teaching in 2019 are: 1) Build capacity for to use educational technology in CPJ; 2) Build a repository of case studies for teaching purposes based on CPJ-led research; 3) Introduce a short course on research methods for Peace and Justice; 4) Develop a Certificate course for paralegals. Activities related to academic teaching include:
• Develop case studies for the short courses on SDG16 and research methods
• Developing certificate course for paralegals
• Launch short courses on research methods for Peace and Justice studies
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Develop executive training in collaboration with Lee Kuan Yew School of Public PolicyResearch
Our strategic goals for research in 2019 are: 1) Strengthen research networks with academic and research institutes in Bangladesh and abroad; 2) Conduct empirical research in host and Rohingya Communities; 3) Create sustainable research partnerships with international research institutes in the field of Peace and Justice; 4) Disseminate our research findings in international conferences, particularly in Asia. The activities supporting our research programme include:
Situation assessment on rights and protection of refugee women and girls in relation to Global Compact on Refugees; in collaboration with Forced Migration Research Network (FMRN), University of New South Wales, Australia
Mobility and Hardship: Coping Strategy of Rohingya Refugees in Cox’s Bazar with support from The Asia Foundation
A study on capturing learning and good practices in Community based Learning for Peace and Civic Outreach Project funded by MSI-USAID
Rohingya Identity: Politics and Practice; in collaboration with Peace Research Institute of Oslo (PRIO), University of Oslo, Norway.
Training
Our strategic goals for training in 2019 are: 1) Scale-up paralegal training activities in Bangladesh; 2) Innovate new mode of implementation of paralegal training; 3) Develop new financing models through proactively seeking partnership; and 4) Moving towards advanced paralegal training. Activities for the training program include:
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Describe paralegal training at grassroots level organisations Tailoring the paralegal training module
Capacity development training for young female students
Publications
CPJ is currently working towards three edited volumes to be published in 2020. The Rohingya Refugee Crisis: Towards Peace & Justice to be edited by Manzoor Hasan and Dr. Caroline Brassard.
Inclusivity, Empowerment & Social Justice in South and Southeast Asia to be edited by Dr. Caroline Brassard and Dr. Gopa K. Thampi.
Social Inclusivity, Social Empowerment & Social Justice in Bangladesh to be edited by M. Badiuzzaman and Dr. Caroline Brassard.
Networking, Partnerships and Outreach
CPJ has expanded and strengthened its international network with Universities in Asia, America and Europe including with School of Public Policy, Central European University, Austria, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore, and NYU School of Law’s Robert L. Bernstein Institute for Human Rights, New York, USA.
CPJ will be organising various academic and networking events for outreach purposes including:
• World Faith and Development Dialogue (WFDD), Georgetown University, USA
• The Asia Foundation
• University of New South Wales
• Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore
• International Institute of Social Studies (ISS), Erasmus University of Rotterdam, The Netherlands
• School of Public Policy, Central European University, Austria
• Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS)
• International Studies Association (ISA)
• Asia Pro-Bono Conference 2019, Kathmandu, Nepal
• Other
Centre for Peace and Justice
www.cpj.bracu.ac.bd
/cpj.bracu
@cpj_bracu
Brac University, (UB 07, Level 9,
43 Mohakhali C/A, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh
(+88) 09617445171
cpj@bracu.ac.bd
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© CPJ BracU, 2019
ANNUAL REPORT 2018
APRIL-DECEMBER 2018
