The organisations working with child rights may create a child-friendly atmosphere by raising mass awareness with the help of media, she added.

The adviser was speaking at the 'National Children Conference 2007' at the LGED Bhaban seminar room in the city as the chief guest.

Bangladesh Shishu Adhikar Forum (BSAF) through its countrywide Child Communication Unit (CCU) organised the conference supported by Plan Bangladesh.

The adviser called for putting an end to the discrimination the disadvantaged children suffer and sought cooperation of all stakeholders to make way so that these children can flourish their latent talents.

CCU Member Sifat Ara Badhon said CCUs have been formed in 34 districts to help establish child rights through raising voice against repression on children.

Sifat demanded the freedom of expression of children in the mass media and a 'Shishu Bhaban' where the children, including the underprivileged ones can discuss their problems and take initiatives on their own.

BSAF Chairperson Wahida Banu urged the mass media to recruit the young journalists of CCU so that they can play a significant role in nation building.

She demanded a toll free helpline for children to help stop violence against children.

Former lawmaker and actor Asaduzzaman Noor stressed the need for achieving economic freedom utilising manpower to establish the rights of children.

"The children at grassroots level are forced to work to support their families," he said.

Plan Bangladesh Sponsorship and Grants Support Manager Tushar Quader Haq underscored the need for access to Information Technology (IT) for children to become an eligible citizen of the global world.

Local Government and Rural development Adviser Anwarul Iqbal attended the concluding ceremony of the daylong conference as the chief guest.