Ensure rights of child domestic helps in new policy
Speakers urge govt
Speakers at a discussion yesterday stressed incorporating the rights of child domestic workers in proposed “Domestic Help and Welfare Policy” to protect them from hazardous works.
Though National Labour Survey 2010 shows 125,000 child labourers aged 5-17 years engaged as domestic workers in the country, actual numbers cannot be ascertained due to lack of registration. Among them, 80 percent are girl children.
Welfare of Child Domestic Help, Bangladesh Shishu Odhiker Forum, Coalition for the Urban Poor, Dawn Forum and Dhaka Ahsania Mission (DAM) jointly organised the discussion at DAM auditorium in the city.
The speakers said Bangladesh government formulated a draft policy for child domestic helps in 2010 as there was none in the country and this would be finalised through discussion at various stages.
Speaking as the chief guest, Meher Afroz Chumki, chairman of Parliamentary Standing Committee on Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, said the policy would be enactment into a full-fledged law to protection rights of child domestic workers.
Opinion of people from all walks of life will be taken in the draft policy. In the meantime, the government formulated a policy guideline for women and children, she said.
Moderated by Dawn Forum Chairperson and DAM Executive Director Ehsanur Rahman, the roundtable was addressed by Bangladesh Shishu Odhiker Forum Chairperson Emranul Haque Chowdhury; Dhaka University Social Welfare and Research Institute Associate Prof Dr Rezaul Islam; Terre Des Homes Country Director Mahmudul Kabir; Aparazeo Bangladesh Executive Director MS Wahida Banu; and Coalition for the Urban Poor President Sabbir Hossain.
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