Survivor Engagement Approach lies at the heart of the Human Rights Protection Committee (HRPC), a grassroots initiative and sister concern of the Human Rights Development Centre (HRDC). HRPC works to build torture-free, mentally healthy, and peaceful communities across Bangladesh by placing survivors’ dignity, mental well-being, and agency at the centre of human rights protection.

HRPC recognizes mental health as a fundamental human right and affirms that survivors of torture and ill-treatment must be believed, supported, and empowered—especially at the community level where harm often begins and healing must continue. Despite strong protections under international instruments such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) 1948, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) 1966, and the United Nations Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (UNCAT) 1984, as well as national laws including the Constitution of Bangladesh 1972 (Article 35(5)) and the Torture and Custodial Death (Prevention) Act, 2013, torture and ill-treatment remain widespread. HRPC responds through community-based prevention, rehabilitation, and survivor-led action, ensuring that no survivor is left isolated or silenced.