Alberto Giovannetti, charge d’affaires at the Swiss Embassy in Bangladesh, urged young people to become more active in protecting human rights at an award ceremony for the third National Human Rights Olympiad. The event, organised by the Human Rights Support Society, was held Friday, 21 August, at Dr Abdullah Faruk Auditorium of Dhaka University’s Faculty of Business Studies.

Giovannetti said human rights extend beyond laws, courts and state institutions and are closely linked to daily life. He called on youth to uphold others’ dignity, equality and freedom, reject discrimination and challenge injustice. He also urged responsible use of digital platforms, noting their potential for information-sharing and awareness while warning of misinformation, harassment, hate speech and privacy violations.

Former National Human Rights Commission members Md Nur Khan Liton and Professor Md Shariful Islam stressed universal human rights values, justice and early education on the issue. Participants from educational institutions in four divisions attended, and selected competitors received prizes and certificates. HRSS said the Olympiad aims to raise awareness, develop humane values and encourage students to practise human rights, including through an active youth network.