‘Rehabilitation, not punishment’
Demanding a separate justice system for children, speakers at a roundtable yesterday highlighted that punishment should not be the main purpose of juvenile justice; rather measures should be taken so they do not get involved in any criminal activity.
They also expressed grave concern over the low capacity and overcrowded juvenile correction centres.
The roundtable titled "Juvenile Justice System: Challenges and Way Forward" was organised by Bangladesh National Woman Lawyers' Association (BNWLA) at the Liberation War Museum at the capital's Agargaon, as part of observing 16 Days of Activism campaign.
Speakers also noted the lack of awareness about the Children Act 2013 among law enforcement agencies, human rights activists and development agencies.
According to the act, it is necessary to establish a separate children's desk in each police station, pointed out BNWLA president Salma Ali,
Under the Juvenile Justice Act 1974, two juvenile courts were established, but the current situation requires at least one juvenile court in each district and metropolitan area to ensure justice for children, she added.
Rakib Hasan, deputy director of Department of Social Services, said children are getting involved in various crimes instigated by adults, and as a result, teen gangs are being formed.
He said family conferences could play an effective role in curbing juvenile delinquency.
Jamila Akhter, child protection specialist at Unicef, said proper implementation of a community-based child protection strategy is the only way to ensure reduction in juvenile delinquency and justice in society. Unicef is working with five ministries in this regard.
Sima Jahur, vice president of BNWLA, in her closing remarks said children should be treated like children, not criminals. She also recommended raising social awareness so adults cannot involve children in crimes.
Benuar Khatun, deputy director (daycare) at women's affairs department, and Mahmud Jahangir Alam Mollah, senior district and sessions judge (retd), also spoke at the event.
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