ActionAid calls for a child-friendly Bangladesh during Child Rights Week

It is time for us to collectively work towards building a brighter future for our children. We must take concrete steps at the national and global level to ensure quality and inclusive education for children and create a new, child-friendly Bangladesh free from discrimination. Children's opinions must be valued, and their active participation in policy-making must be ensured.

These suggestions were made at an event organised by ActionAid Bangladesh to celebrate Child Rights Week 2024, held at an auditorium in Agargaon today (17 October). The event, held under the theme 'Shono Agamir Kotha (Listen to the Future)', saw the enthusiastic participation of nearly 200 children. Children raised important demands and aspirations for their physical and mental development through a memorandum. They called for the active cooperation of all stakeholders to ensure the rights of children in Bangladesh and their overall development.

A panel discussion moderated by Farah Kabir was attended by officials from the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, representatives of national and international organisations, academia, government and non-governmental development organisations, and child rights experts. The discussion focused on the responsibilities of the state, society, institutions, and individuals in ensuring the well-being, protection, and fundamental rights of children.

Tania Khan Laizu, Director General (Additional Secretary) of the Bangladesh Shishu Academy, expressed concern over the rise in child marriages and called for a strict ban on child marriages under the country's existing laws. She emphasised the need for a national initiative to ensure quality and inclusive education for children. "We want to see the current curriculum revised so that children can not only enjoy learning but also develop creativity, problem-solving skills, and technological knowledge. We need to ensure equal opportunities for marginalised children in remote areas. Modern infrastructure, advanced learning materials, trained teachers, and mental health support systems should be made available at schools."

Rasheda K. Choudhury, Executive Director of Campaign for Popular Education (CAMPE), highlighted the discrimination faced by children and emphasised the need to address the importance of children's mental health and well-being. She also called for promoting science and technology among children, especially in rural areas.

Farah Kabir, Country Director of ActionAid Bangladesh, stressed the importance of valuing children's opinions and ensuring their active participation in policy-making. "We want to see children's representatives appointed in organisations and government bodies working for children so that they can directly raise their issues. We need to create an inclusive environment for children where their opinions are valued and prioritised in policy-making."

Dr. Tania Haque, Member of the National Human Rights Commission, suggested the establishment of a special office for children to ensure their participation and leadership. She emphasised that the country's laws are the last resort for ensuring children's rights and called for strict enforcement of laws against child marriage and child abuse.

Anders B. Karlsen, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Denmark in Bangladesh, called for joint efforts by the government, NGOs, and national and international development organisations to ensure children's rights. He said, "Climate change disproportionately affects women and children. We need to work towards equality for children and improve the quality of education."

Bharat Gautam, Research and Evaluation Manager at UNICEF Bangladesh, emphasised the need to focus on the impact of interventions rather than just the number of child marriages. He said, "We need to reflect on the progress we have collectively achieved. Can we, as all stakeholders, develop a comprehensive plan to ensure children's rights? We can develop action plans to collaborate on laws and policies that guarantee the development and fundamental rights of every child."

Laila Jasmin Banu, Program Manager for Governance and Human Rights at the European Union in Bangladesh, suggested increasing the number of community-based development centres where children can learn and develop various skills and include children with disabilities. She said, "We need to expand development centres for children at the community level. These centres can provide children with the opportunity to partake in extracurricular activities, where everyone can learn a variety of skills during the day. Such initiatives can be effective in promoting the sustainable development of children."

The event opened with performances by the children, which included songs, dramas, and dances focusing on social issues such as child rights, child abuse, and protection. The guests also visited an exhibition of art and craft works created by children.

Ibrahim Khalil Al Zayad, Chairperson of ActionAid International Society of Bangladesh; S.M. Shafaet Hossen, Joint Secretary of the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division; Mohammad Shah Alam, Managing Director of Sesame Workshop Bangladesh; Munia Islam Mozumder, CEO of Teach for Bangladesh; and officials from the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, national and international organisations, academia, government and non-governmental development organisations, and media were present at the event.