'Implement UNCRC for better environment of children'

Save the Children, Sweden-Denmark (SCSD), a leading international organisation fighting for the rights of children, yesterday announced its weeklong programme marking the National Child Rights Week-2007 that begins today.
This year SCSD has outlined its programme focusing on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Child (UNCRC) as it reaches 18th year of its initiation in 1989, said Shamsul Alam Bakul, programme manager of SCSD, at a press conference at the National Press Club in the city.
Speaking about the significance of the UNCRC, Shamsul said the recognition of special needs for the survival, protection and development of children has led to the universal acceptance of the concept that children must enjoy the full spectrum of their rights.
SCSD focuses on the achievement in the field of child rights, the challenges to achieve the rest and the role of child rights organisations through looking at the periodic reports submitted by the government as one of the first signatory countries to CRC committee in 1990.
This year SCSD and partner organisations will observe the child rights week with the slogan 'Let it be our promise to achieve fulfilment of child rights.'
The weeklong programme that will end on October 5 includes several roundtables in Dhaka and Chittagong, celebrity comments on television channels, media discussions and fun fair.
Obaydur Rahman, acting country representative of SCSD, Shahin Akter Dolly, executive director of Nari Maitree, and Masud Ali, director of INCIDIN Bangladesh, also spoke at the press conference.
The speakers underscored the need for implementing the UNCRC to ensure a better environment for children.
They also called for political commitment along with social commitment in this regard.
Responding to a question regarding child labour condition in the country, Obaydur said although the statistics of 2006 shows that around 74 lakh children are involved in child labour, participation of children in hazardous jobs under informal sector is increasing.