32 Children Killed in Bangladesh Violence: UNICEF

APP

United Nations: At least 32 children were killed and many more injured and detained during student protests that erupted in Bangladesh in July, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reported.

Last month, students in Bangladesh staged massive protests against the government, demanding an end to a “quota system” for government jobs amid rising unemployment. More than 200 people were killed in clashes with security forces, including bystanders, according to media reports.

Although the authorities withdrew the system, fresh protests broke out in parts of Dhaka on Friday, calling for accountability, reports stated.

Sanjay Wijesekera, UNICEF Regional Director for South Asia, having just returned from Bangladesh, expressed deep concern over the impact of violence and the ongoing unrest.

“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 condemns all acts of violence,” he said in a statement released on Friday.

“Children must be protected at all times. That is everyone’s responsibility.”

Wijesekera also noted reports that children were being detained and stressed that for a child, coming into contact or conflict with the law can be very frightening.

In line with international human rights law and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, to which Bangladesh is a signatory, he called for 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 said.

With the outbreak of protests, authorities ordered the closure of schools, causing about 30 million students from pre-primary to secondary school levels to miss 10 days of school. This compounded the learning losses due to school closures earlier this year because of extreme temperatures, cyclones, and floods.

Primary schools are expected to reopen on 4 August in many parts of Bangladesh, but around 15.5 million schoolchildren will still be unable to resume learning.

Wijesekera underscored the importance of reopening schools, resuming learning, and reuniting children with their friends and teachers.

“One of the best ways to help children recover from violence and to keep them safe,” he said, adding, “the longer children are out of school, especially girls, the less likely they are to return, jeopardising their future.”

Recent reports indicate that the violence in Bangladesh has sparked international concern. Human rights organisations have called for thorough investigations into the incidents, and there have been numerous appeals for the protection of children’s rights in conflict zones.

The UN Secretary-General has also urged the Bangladeshi government to ensure that peace is restored and that the safety of all citizens, especially children, is prioritised.