Participants at a daylong discussion yesterday called for initiating trials with cameras, and opening child courts to ensure children’s rights and safety in the country.
Children under 18 years-old are 41%, nearly half, of the population, and the majority are poor and malnourished, speakers told the discussion, quoting the statistics of the Bangladesh National Women Lawyers’ Association.
Girls and boys of this vulnerable age group often suffer from sexual exploitation, human trafficking, forced labour, drug addiction and criminal activities caused by financial crisis.
The interactive workshop was organised at Celebration Point auditorium in Barisal city by the Bangladesh National Women Lawyers Association, under the International Child Protection and Rights Consortium, funded by European Union and supported by Save the Children International.
Ataur Rahman, International Child Protection and Rights Consortium project officer of the woman lawyers’ association, conducted the training workshop assisted by Advocate Qamrunnahar Tanu, Keka Ansari of BNWLA.
Participants included Sajjad Parvez, probation officer of the social services directorate, Advocate Rashida Aktar Shirin, divisional law officer of the cell for the prevention of torture against women and children, Advocate Kazi Manjuara Begum, divisional officer-in-charge of BNWLA, representatives from the administration, police, judiciary, media, legal profession and rights organisations.
The participants of the workshop said members of law enforcement agencies are not child-friendly, so opening a child court and arranging camera trials for accused children should help protect child rights in the country.
They also called for more female officers in the judiciary and law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of female children.
The speakers at the workshop said protecting children’s right to protection would not be possible without expanding children’s education, strengthening oversight of the activities of state officials, and proper implementation of the existing laws with regular ratifications.
They called for a network to enhance awareness among caregivers, law enforcement agencies, civil society and government.
Formation of child protection caucuses and legal advisory groups , care communities for the reintegration of children , job and school placements for abused and exploited children , capacity building and training on psychosocial care, and research on sexual exploitation.
