Sweden’s Ambassador for Human Rights, Democracy and Rule of Law, Irina Schoulgin-Nyoni, began a four-day visit to Bangladesh on Tuesday (November 11) to engage with government officials, civil society, and media representatives on key human rights priorities.

The visit, from November 11 to 14, focuses on women’s empowerment, freedom of expression, and the role of civil society in strengthening democratic values, according to a statement from the Swedish Embassy in Dhaka.

Ambassador Schoulgin-Nyoni will meet members of the interim government, development partners, students, and human rights defenders to discuss Sweden’s continued cooperation in promoting democracy and the rule of law.

Sweden’s global human rights agenda is guided by a mandate that tasks the ambassador with advancing rights through bilateral and multilateral channels, advocating for gender equality, and supporting democratic institutions.

In Bangladesh, Sweden partners with civil society groups to combat gender-based violence, expand access to education and reproductive health, and reinforce the capacity of rights-based organizations.

The embassy said the visit also reflects Sweden’s deepening partnership with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), which expanded its operations in Bangladesh following a July uprising. A Memorandum of Understanding signed in July 2025 between the Bangladeshi government and OHCHR established the country’s first permanent OHCHR Mission.

Sweden and OHCHR are also working together to strengthen the National Human Rights Commission, promote legal reforms, and expand civic engagement among youth.