Staff Reporter :
UNICEF has expressed deep concerns over the killings of at least 32 children during the July protests over the quota reform movement.
The organisation has also stated that the children must be protected and it is the responsibility of all and they should be protected when they speak up.
“UNICEF has now confirmed that at least 32 children were killed during July’s protests, with many more injured and detained. This is a terrible loss,” UNICEF South Asia Regional Director Sanjay Wijesekera said in a statement on Friday.
“UNICEF condemns all acts of violence. On behalf of UNICEF, I extend my heartfelt condolences to families mourning the loss of their sons and daughters. Children must be protected at all times. That is everyone’s responsibility,” he added.
“I have just returned from a week in Bangladesh, and I am deeply concerned about the impact of recent violence and ongoing unrest on children,” he said.
Expressing concerns about the mass arrests especially the children, he said, “I am aware of reports that children are being detained, and remind authorities that for a child, coming into contact or conflict with the law can be very frightening.”
Reminding the international law on the rights of children, he said, “In line with international human rights and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child to which Bangladesh is a signatory, and based on research into the effects of detention on children, UNICEF urges an end to the detention of children in all its forms.”
“This means that children should not be arrested or detained based on their mere presence in any location or because of their background, religion, or acts or beliefs of their family members,” he added.
“Supporting children caught up in the violence is a priority for UNICEF. I visited the UNICEF-supported Child Helpline 1098 which has seen a 250 per cent increase in demand since the violence started.
I saw how trained counsellors listen to children’s concerns, refer to them the appropriate support and services – and follow up with them,” he said.