Call to ensure rights of vulnerable and working children

Call to ensure rights of vulnerable and working children

Representatives from government and non-government organisations have urged that the rights of all children, including vulnerable and working children, must be fully protected. 

The call was made during an event showcasing the findings of the study titled “Child Rights Situation in Khulna Division – 2025.”

The function was held on Thursday at the Humayun Kabir Balu Auditorium of Khulna Press Club. Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF) organised the event in collaboration with the Street Children Activists Network (SCAN) Bangladesh, with technical support from Socheton Sangstha. 

Presided over by Secretary general of Socheton Sangstha Sakila Parveen, the function was attended by several prominent officials and child rights advocates, including Khulna Divisional Commissioner (Acting) Md. Firoz Shah, Khulna DIG Md. Rezaul Haque, Deputy Director of the Department of Social Services Khan Motaher Hossain, District Child Welfare Officer Md. Saddam Hossain, Khulna Press Club convener Enamul Haque, Sundarbans and Coastal Protection Movement coordinator Nikhil Chandra Bhadra, Khulna Development Struggle Coordination Committee president Ashraf-uz-Zaman, and Sushilon Executive Director Mostafa Nuruzzaman.

During the event, Wasiur Rahman Tanmoy, Head of Youth and Social Cohesion at MJF, highlighted the key findings of the report. He said that, based on extensive newspaper analysis, children in 2025 are facing extreme insecurity, violence, and structural vulnerabilities. While some government and NGO initiatives for child rights protection have shown positive outcomes, violence against children—especially sexual abuse and accidental deaths—remains alarmingly high.

He emphasised that ensuring comprehensive child protection requires urgent measures, including the effective implementation of laws, increased awareness at family and community levels, and the establishment of a child-friendly education system.

The report’s recommendations include giving the highest priority to preventing severe forms of violence against children, including rape, murder, and abuse, and ensuring strict enforcement of the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act. 

It also calls for a national digital security action plan to protect children from online exploitation, harassment, and inappropriate content.

The report further urges the establishment of child protection units in every ward and union, coordinated with local police and social services. In light of climate change risks, children should be considered the most vulnerable group in national disaster management policies, and specific strategies must be developed to safeguard them. Additionally, disaster preparedness and first-aid training should be mandatory in all educational institutions.

Speakers at the event stressed that children are the foundation of the nation’s future. Protecting their safety, rights, and well-being is not only a moral obligation but a critical responsibility for the state, families, and society as a whole, they said.