Poverty, legal loopholes hamper children's rights
Convention told
The vicious circle of poverty is the biggest impediment to achieving the rights of children in the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) beyond 2015, said speakers at a convention yesterday.
Various tribulations like child prostitution, child trafficking and hazardous working environment exist in the country as a result of poverty and loopholes in the legal structure, speakers added.
Institute of Disaster Management and Vulnerability Studies of DU organised the convention titled “Convention on the Rights of Children in Post MDG 2015 Context†at Centre for Advanced Research in Science on DU campus.
Prof Rawshan Ara of philosophy department of Dhaka University said the country does not have adequate playgrounds, which is essential for children's holistic development.
“Juvenile delinquency is increasing at an alarming rate, intake of drugs being a primary reason,†said Prof Sharmin Huq of education and research institute of DU, stressing the need for more youth development centres in the country with adequate well trained counselors.
Dr Kamal Abdul Naser Chowdhury, secretary to the education ministry, said, “Children are the future beholders of the nation. In order to ensure their rights we have to ensure social equity.â€
Jan De Waal, national director of World Vision Bangladesh, and Elena Ahmed, deputy country director of Plan Bangladesh, also attended the conference.
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