CODEC has been working for the marginalized coastal fisher folk communities since 1985 for the well-being of this community by addressing their problems. Various types of problem of fisher-folk community have identified through several FGDs regarding their rights. Domestic violence, early marriage, dowry, divorce, denial of rights is some of the major concerns in Bangladesh at present and CODEC is working is creating awareness to dismantle the problems gradually. The local Imam, marriage register, local attributors along with Union Chairmen, Attribution Council and Village Courts possess knowledge and skills and are motivated to play an efficient and effective role in the community. Union Parishad Chairmen and Rights activists of Human Rights Organizations and Lawyers Panel are working side by side with CODEC to establish a sustainable provision of conflict resolution service. Fisher-folk community has less access to justice and also have less opportunity to input their opinion in the policy formulation. CODEC had taken an initiative to revise “Protection and Conservation of Fish Act, 1950” according to the opinion of fisher-folk community with a consultation of law and policy expert through a project which was funded by Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF). Poor households in disputes finds affordable access to justice through this sector of CODEC.

PROMOTION OF RIGHTS AND ENTITLEMENT FOR DIGNITY OF FISHER-FOLK COMMUNITIES (PREDFC)

CODEC – PREDFC project an integrated program which goal is creating an enabling environment to empower, enhance capacity and improve livelihood of Fisher-folk community of Coastal Bangladesh with the support of MJF in 4 Upazila Laxmipur Sadar, Raipur, Kamolnagor and Ramgoti under Noakhali District. The project covers 12250 target population. Through this project fisher folk community are engaged with better alternative income generation activity through advancement of women and girls and are aware and sensitized on gender, violence against women and girls. This project strengthens the ability of fisher-folk community to raise their demands and claim entitlement.

The major activities of this project in the targeted working area are strengthen Coordination committee through meeting, workshop, dialogue with Union parishad & government officials to reduce the gap between fisher-folk community and local authority, AIGA training after making need assessment survey and leadership development of women for raising voice for rights and entitlement of fisher folk community through awareness raising program and ensuring women participation in different committee.