The child rights policy of Bangladesh
Child rights are the fundamental entitlements and protections that should be granted to every child, typically defined as individuals under the age of 18. These rights are based on the principle that children are vulnerable and require special care and attention to ensure their well-being and development.
The concept of child rights is primarily enshrined in the
United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), which is a
universally recognized international treaty. The UNCRC sets out a comprehensive
framework of rights for children, encompassing civil, political, economic,
social, and cultural dimensions. Some key aspects of child rights include:
- Right
to life, survival, and development: Every child has the right to be
provided with the necessary conditions for their survival, well-being, and
holistic development.
- Right
to non-discrimination: All children are entitled to be treated equally and
without any form of discrimination, irrespective of their race, gender,
religion, disability, or any other status.
- Right
to protection: Children have the right to be safeguarded from all forms of
abuse, exploitation, neglect, violence, and harmful practices. This
includes protection from child labor, trafficking, child marriage, and
recruitment into the armed forces.
- Right
to education: Every child has the right to access quality education that
is free, compulsory, and suitable for their age and needs. Education should
be inclusive, providing equal opportunities for all children.
- Right
to health and healthcare: Children have the right to enjoy the highest
attainable standard of physical and mental health. They should have access
to essential health care services, nutrition, clean water, and sanitation.
- Right
to participation: Children have the right to express their views, be
heard, and participate in decisions affecting their lives, according to
their evolving capacities. Their opinions should be given due weight in accordance
with their age and maturity.
- Right
to a family, identity, and nationality: Children have the right to live
with their parents and family, and to maintain their identity, including
their name, nationality, and cultural heritage.
- Right
to play and leisure: Children have the right to engage in play,
recreation, and leisure activities that are essential for their
well-being, social development, and enjoyment of their childhood.
These are just a few examples of the child rights outlined
in the UNCRC. It is important to note that child rights are universal, and
governments, communities, families, and individuals have a responsibility to
uphold and protect these rights, ensuring the well-being and the future of every
child.
The Child Rights Act, of 2013 is the latest act of Bangladesh
that deals with child rights. It was passed by the Parliament of Bangladesh on
December 29, 2013. The act provides for the protection, development and
participation of children in Bangladesh. It is based on the Convention on the
Rights of the Child (CRC), which was adopted by the United Nations General
Assembly in 1989.
The act covers a wide range of topics related to child
rights, including:
- The
right to life, survival and development
- The
right to education
- The
right to health
- The
right to protection from violence, abuse and exploitation
- The
right to participation
The act also establishes a number of mechanisms to ensure
the implementation of child rights in Bangladesh, including:
- The
National Child Rights Commission
- The
Child Protection Unit
- The
Child Labour Unit
The Child Rights Act, 2013 is a significant step forward in
the protection of child rights in Bangladesh. It provides a comprehensive
framework for ensuring that all children in Bangladesh can enjoy their rights
to life, survival, development, education, health, protection and
participation.
Here are some of the specific topics covered in the Child
Rights Policy of Bangladesh:
- Education:
The policy aims to ensure that all children have access to free and
compulsory education up to the age of 14. It also aims to improve the
quality of education and to make it more relevant to the needs of
children.
- Health:
The policy aims to ensure that all children have access to basic health
care services. It also aims to reduce child mortality and improve the
health and well-being of children.
- Protection:
The policy aims to protect children from all forms of violence, abuse and
exploitation. It also aims to provide support to children who have been
affected by violence, abuse or exploitation.
- Participation:
The policy aims to ensure that children are involved in decision-making
processes that affect their lives. It also aims to create a space for
children to express their views and to participate in activities that
promote their development.
The Child Rights Policy of Bangladesh is a comprehensive and
ambitious document. It sets out a clear vision for the protection and promotion
of child rights in Bangladesh. The policy is a valuable tool for ensuring that
all children in Bangladesh can enjoy their rights to life, survival,
development, education, health, protection and participation.
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