Nineteen students of Brac University School of Law, successfully completed a 15-week "Certificate Course on Refugee Laws and International Protection of Refugees and other Persons of Concern" organized by UNHCR in Bangladesh.
An online certificate giving ceremony took place on 18 March 2021, where Shubhash Wostey, Senior Protection Officer from UNHCR was present, as well as the Dean of School of Law Professor K. Shamsuddin Mahmood and the coordinator of the course for the Law School, Dr. Saira Rahman Khan. Also present were the course conductors and the students.
Professor K Shamsuddin Mahmood commented “I deem it a pleasure to congratulate the students who successfully completed the course and will be awarded with the certificate for their achievement. Two special things, of which I am delighted of, are- (a) the fact that normally in Bangladesh, a course on Law of Refugees is very unlikely to be taught in the tertiary level ; and (b) that students had the opportunity to have the exposure of experts on Refugee Laws from non-other than the UNHCR by whom they were taught, having all latest development of laws/policies and first-hand information on matters related thereto.”
According to Dr. Saira Rahman Khan, "It was a golden opportunity for undergraduate students to expand their legal knowledge to issues so close to home. Not only would they receive an insight into refugees and their rights but would also be able to empathize with refugees and realize that all human beings must be treated with dignity and respect. I am deeply indebted to the UNHCR team for helping carry this message forward with this course"
"This course has effectively facilitated the development of my learning curve on Refugee Law. This will help me to be involved in further endeavors putting my learnings to meaningful use and to help in bringing positive changes" said Sabrina Reza, student of the course.
"The course has dramatically changed my perception towards the whole refugee crisis, and I believe the learning from this course will certainly be beneficial in the days to come" added Rakibul Bhuiyan, another student of the course.
“It’s important to realize that refugees are just like you and me; they share the same talents and strengths and strive for a good future, just as everyone else does. Solidarity and opportunity are key in ensuring the protection of refugees, and enabling refugees to find a lasting solution, which most often is their ability to return home voluntarily, in safety and with dignity.” said Mr. Wostey of UNHCR.