Location: Bangladesh
Timeline: 2012-present
National Engagement Strategy (NES) Bangladesh is one of the key voices in support of indigenous peoples, women and the landless, poor and marginalised communities in the country. The multi-stakeholder platform has implemented effective advocacy activities also in collaboration with NGOs and grassroots organisations that are not NES members. In 2016 - as a result of its continuous mobilisation and coordination efforts - the NES gathered coordinated support from 21 organisations. Together they carried out capacity building and awareness raising campaigns - for example, on the occasion of the International women’s day and the International Indigenous Peoples Day. The NES relies on an effective communications strategy, based on a combined use of several connections at different levels like media houses and information dissemination through social media and newsletters. The collective efforts of the 21 organisations have put significant pressure on the Government, pushing for an amendment of the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Land Disputes Resolution Commission Act. The advocacy and lobbying work of the NES and its allies has resulted in the Government approving an amendment to this Act, which now dictates that within the Commission no decisions are valid without the approval of the majority of its members. Although the establishment of the Land Disputes Resolution Commission dates back to 2001, this Commission has never become active. Therefore, NES Bangladesh has also advocated for the activation of the CHT Land Dispute Resolution Commission and the implementation of a Peace Accord in the area.
