What We Do
At the Human Rights Development Centre (HRDC), our work is driven by a commitment to protect human dignity and promote justice throughout Bangladesh. We focus on five core areas to create meaningful, lasting change:
Rehabilitation
We provide comprehensive rehabilitation services to survivors of torture, violence, and trauma. Through specialized psychosocial counseling, medical support, and social reintegration programs, we help individuals rebuild their lives with dignity and hope. Our rehabilitation efforts aim to restore physical and mental well-being while empowering survivors to reclaim their rightful place in society.
Advocacy & Campaign
HRDC actively advocates for the protection and promotion of human rights at local, national, and international levels. We engage with policymakers, government institutions, and civil society to influence laws and policies that uphold justice, eliminate torture & trauma, and prevent human rights abuses. Our advocacy work includes public campaigns, strategic litigation, and collaborative efforts to hold perpetrators accountable.
Research & Documentation
Accurate and credible information forms the foundation of effective human rights work. We conduct rigorous research and document human rights violations, social injustices, and governance challenges in Bangladesh. Our evidence-based reports and analyses support advocacy efforts, inform policy reforms, and raise public awareness. This research also contributes to regional and global human rights knowledge.
Accountability
Ensuring accountability is essential to preventing human rights violations and delivering justice to victims. HRDC works to strengthen legal and institutional mechanisms that hold violators responsible. We support fact-finding missions, legal aid services, and the monitoring of government commitments to international human rights standards by employing victim-centered and trauma-informed approaches in gathering evidence and drafting submissions for various accountability mechanisms. By promoting transparency and the rule of law, we aim to foster a culture of accountability.
Capacity Building
We invest in empowering individuals, communities, and partner organizations through tailored training and education programs. Our capacity-building initiatives focus on human rights education, democratic participation, women’s rights, refugee protection, and community leadership. By strengthening knowledge and skills, we enable stakeholders to advocate effectively, respond to challenges, and drive sustainable social change.
Internship Program
HRDC’s Internship Program provides hands-on experience for students and early-career professionals passionate about human rights, psychosocial support, and social justice. Interns gain practical skills, contribute to ongoing projects, and engage directly in the protection and rehabilitation of survivors. Interns at HRDC can expect a comprehensive learning experience that combines practical project work, professional skill-building, mentorship, networking, and personal growth. The program equips them with the tools and confidence to pursue careers in human rights, legal advocacy, psychosocial support, research, and community development while making a tangible impact on the lives of torture survivors and vulnerable communities.