2023 International Day of Democracy

: Statement from the Network of Laureates of Gwangju Prizefor Human Rights, NLG

We the winner of Gwangju Prize for Human Rights Prize are deeply concerned by the harassment and Intimidation through legal charges against Human Rights Laureate Adilur RahmanKhan, A respected and well-known Human Rights defender of Bangladesh andanother Prize winner Institution, Coordinating Council of Iranian Teachers’ Trade Associations (CCITTA). Iranian. We are sad distressed by suchblatant violations of human rights and the persecution of Human Rights defenderand Trade union who have dedicated their lives for justice and equality of thepeople at large.

Adilur Rahman Khan is facing charges because of his tireless efforts in upholding human rights and exposing the unlawful act of Government such as torture, killing and disappearances by the security agency of Bangladesh.

Furthermore, theGwangju Prize for Human Rights Special Prize winner, thecoordinating Council of Iranian Teacher’s Trade Association (CCITTA),especially Shiva Amelirad, the CCITTA international representative is alsofaces similar persecution by the Iranian government. We are aware of the workand vital role played by the Association in shaping the future of nations byimparting knowledge and nurturing the minds of the young children and youths.

We, all the HumanRights Laureates vehemently condemn the act by the authorities of Bangladeshand Iran against these two Human Rights Laureates. Such actions not only violate the principles of human rights but also hinder progress in buildingsocieties that value justice, democracy, and freedom.

We the members of NLG callupon the respective governments to immediately halt the harassment, drop the charges, and ensure the safety and well-being of Adilur Rahman Khan, Shiva Amelirad from the international representative of CCITTA and teachers from CCITTA. It is imperative that they are allowed to continue their important work without fear of reprisal or persecution.

The theme of thisyear’s International Day of Democracy, announced by the United Nations, is “Empowering the next generation” We must fight against these threats for the sake of the next generation, to advance democracy and ensure that their voices are included in the decisions that have a profound impact on their world.

We urge the international community, human rights organizations, and individuals who believe in justice and equality to join with us in raising voices against these injustices.

Let us stand together in solidarity, demanding that the governments of Bangladesh and Iran uphold their responsibilities to protect and promote human rights.

September 14, 2023

Network of Laureates of Gwangju Prize for Human Rights(NLG)

Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao, W.P.J.Basil Fernando, Korea Association of Bereaved Families for Democracy, Dandeniya Gamage Jayanthi, Wardah Hafiz, Malalai Joya, Irom Sharmila Chanu, Lenin Raghuvanshi, Muneer Malik, Min Ko Naing, Sushil Pyakurel, Binayak Sen, H.I.J.O.S, Adilur Rahman Khan, Mothersof Khavaran, Latifah Anum Siregar, Bersih 2.0, Nguyen Dan Que, Jatupat Boonpattaraksa, Nandana Manatunga, Joanna Carino, Bedjo Untung, Arnon Nampa, Cynthia Maung, Parents Circle Families Forum – Israeli Palestinian Bereaved Families for Peace, Tempo Weekly Magazine, Sombath Somphone, Serge Bambara, Dialita Choir, Watchdoc documentary Maker, Cynthia Maung, Chow Hang-Tung, The Coordination Council of Iranian Teacher Trade Association