A human rights-based approach for promotion of inclusive and safe urban transport – case study of Integrated Corridor Management (ICM) Dhaka North Project in Bangladesh

The paper presents the results of the Inclusive and Safe Urban Mobility Strategy for Dhaka project, whose aim is to mainstream a human rights-based approach for the implementation of the ICM Dhaka North Project, in order to ensure safe and universal accessibility along the Begum Rokeya Soroni Corridor in Dhaka. Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, has a complex transport system that serves a population of around 10 million. It includes private vehicles, buses, minibuses, taxis, rickshaws and the new MRT-6 line. Huge demand for transport in conjunction with inadequate road infrastructure contribute to traffic congestion which is a significant challenge in the city. Overcrowded and unreliable public transport services create difficulties for many residents, including people with disabilities, women, elderly and children. Based on an analysis of the local context and indication provided by stakeholders, eight Communities of Concerns were identified as experiencing common barriers to inclusion into Dhaka’s mobility system due to gender, age and physical abilities, among other factors. In parallel, six human rights applicable to urban mobility systems whose realization is compromised by integration and safety issues in the transport sector were identified from the literature. Mobility patterns and barriers affecting CoCs and associated human rights were captured through a combination of field surveys and group discussions and were further assessed in the inclusiveness and accessibility audit of the corridor. The results of group discussions, mobility survey and audit informed actions to enable safe, comfortable and convenient access to opportunities and services provided by the city for all individuals, respecting their dignity, equality, accessibility and safety.