Unicef has said that at least 32 children were killed during the unrest in Bangladesh in July.
The information was confirmed in a statement by Sanjay Wijesekera, Unicef regional director for South Asia on Friday.
Expressing concerns about the impact of recent violence and ongoing unrest on children, Wijesekera said he was aware of reports that children are being detained, and reminded authorities that for a child, coming into contact or conflict with the law can be very frightening.
In line with international human rights and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child to which Bangladesh is a signatory, and based on research into the effects of detention on children, Unicef urges an end to the detention of children in all its forms.
This means that children should not be arrested or detained based on their mere presence in any location or because of their background, religion, or acts or beliefs of their family members, the statement reads.
“Supporting children caught up in the violence is a priority for Unicef. I visited the Unicef-supported Child Helpline 1098 which has seen a 250% increase in demand since the violence started. I saw how trained counsellors listen to children’s concerns, refer to them the appropriate support and services – and follow up with them.
“In addition, 1,100 social workers, trained by Unicef, under the Department of Social Services, are providing psychosocial help for children whose mental health has been affected by the violence and curfews.
The statement said that one of the best ways to help children recover from violence and to keep them safe is to reopen all schools, restart learning, and reunite children with their friends and teachers.
“In my meetings with government, Unicef partners and organizations working for and with young people, I emphasized that the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child recognizes the right of children to freedom of association and to freedom of peaceful assembly. Children and young people are the future of Bangladesh. They should be protected when they speak up,” the statement reads.
Student protests demanding quota reforms in civil service jobs began on July 1.
Following a violent clash at Dhaka University on July 15, the protests quickly spread across the country.
From the following day onwards, attacks, clashes, violence, vandalism, arson and casualties were reported in various parts of the country, including Dhaka.
