The UNICEF on Monday welcomed the government of Bangladesh鈥檚 recent decision to establish separate children鈥檚 courts, marking a significant step toward ensuring a child-friendly justice system that upholds the rights and well-being of children.
The UN body also said that the establishment of children鈥檚 courts was the first step towards building a child-friendly environment in the justice system to fulfil the rights and needs of every child who came in contact with the law, said a press release.
This decision reinforces Bangladesh鈥檚 commitment to implementing the Children Act, 2013, aligning national legal frameworks with international standards, including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
鈥業n too many cases, children who desperately need to be supported by the social welfare system fall into the criminal justice system. Having child friendly systems is a step toward ensuring that rehabilitation is given every opportunity to work 鈥� putting the focus on a system that is designed to rehabilitate, not punish,鈥櫬� said Rana Flowers, UNICEF representative in Bangladesh.
The establishment of separate children鈥檚 courts is vital for treating children in conflict with the law with dignity.
These courts will offer specialised legal and social services, focusing on rehabilitation rather than punishment, and ensure proceedings in child-sensitive environment with trained judges and legal professionals.
The decision comes at a crucial time, after the student-led mass uprising in Bangladesh in 2024, where young people demanded justice, accountability and better opportunities.
Their advocacy highlighted the need for reforms to protect children and adolescents from violence, exploitation, and wrongful detention.
The youth movement showed the strength and leadership of Bangladesh鈥檚 youth, pushing for policies that recognise children鈥檚 rights and potential.
This reform is a direct response to their demands ensuring that justice is accessible, fair and rehabilitative for all children and to avoid atrocities such as those reported in the OHCHR report against children happen again.
UNICEF expressed its commitment to working with the government, judiciary, civil society and young people to help implement this reform, including providing support in setting up courts, training justice professionals and strengthening social service systems to protect and care for children, added the press release.