Intent is there, realisation inadequate: report
Bangladesh has recently made significant progress in changing the lives of children -- in terms of education and health, but a large number of them still face various forms of violence and cannot even enjoy their basic rights, said a report.
It happens because many of the government’s initiatives and good intentions are not realised.
There is big gap among the relevant government bodies, and laws related to child rights see few implementations, the report said.
“Joining Forces Bangladesh: Child Rights Now” -- an alliance of six non-government organisations -- prepared the report based on their consultation with children from different parts of the country.
The findings of the report were unveiled at an event held at a convention centre in the capital’s Gulshan yesterday.
To ensure the country’s advancement, the report suggested ensuring strong legal measures against abuse of children, listening to children’s demands, formulating a separate directorate for children, and investing more into education and health sectors.
Sharing the findings, Rafsan Chowdhury, one of the lead researchers, said almost every institution in the country intends to protect child rights.
“But we don’t see a reflection of that intention in reality,” he said.
About the report’s outcome, Mark Pierce, country director of Save the Children in Bangladesh, said the findings will help safeguard child rights in Bangladesh through solving the ongoing issues.
Speaking as the chief guest at the event, Planning Minister MA Mannan asked the experts working in the sector to design new projects -- particularly for children who are underprivileged and differently-abled. He assured of assistance in getting the projects approved soon.
“We are committed to ensuring child rights. There are some vulnerable sections in our society -- women, children and persons with disabilities. We will timely approve the projects for them,” said Mannan.
Shamsul Haque Tuku, president of parliamentary caucus on child rights; Prof Syed Md Golam Faruk, director general of the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education; Orla Murphy, country director of Plan International in Bangladesh; Mahmudul Kabir, country director of Terre des Hommes Netherlands in Bangladesh; Fred Witteveen, national director of World Vision Bangladesh; Johny Sarker, country director of Educo Bangladesh; and Golam Ahmed Ishaq, national director of SOS Children’s Village Bangladesh, also spoke at the event.
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