The United Nations’ children agency UNICEF confirmed on Saturday that more than 65 children were killed during the recent crackdown on peaceful demonstrations in Bangladesh that led to the ouster of the government led by Sheikh Hasina in the country.
The UNICEF figure came a day after the Office of the of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said on Friday that there were credible signs of excessive and unnecessary use of force in the crackdown on anti-government protests in Bangladesh.
Citing reports from local media and the protesters themselves, the UN body puts the death toll during the protests at nearly 650 in July and August.
Hasina resigned on August 5 amid a student-led mass uprising and fled to India. An interim government headed by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus took oath on August 8.Â
The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General on Violence Against Children, Najat Maalla M’jid, on Friday called on the newly formed interim government in Bangladesh to seize the current transition as an opportunity to address existing gaps in laws and methods to protect children from all forms of abuse.
‘Youth and children in Bangladesh have been at the forefront of the recent protests in the country. They have achieved a lot, but they have also paid a huge price,’ said Maalla M’jid.
Maala M’jid also recalled the critical importance of a child-friendly justice system, including independent courts for minors, even more so considering the high number of children and youth that were detained during the recent protests.
The UN Special Representative also called on the authorities to protect youth and children’s rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
