UNICEF hails Bangladesh’s decision to establish separate children’s courts

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) on Monday welcomed the Bangladeshi interim government’s recent decision to establish separate children’s courts.

UNICEF said the decision marked a significant step toward ensuring a child-friendly justice system that upholds the rights and well-being of children.

Rana Flowers, UNICEF representative in Bangladesh, said the landmark decision reinforces Bangladesh’s 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 (UNCRC).

“In 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 putting the focus on a system that is designed to rehabilitate, not punish.

“This initiative is a response to the brave call from young people during Summer 2024 for justice and a fairer system and will help break cycles of vulnerability and create a more just and inclusive society for young people,’’ she said.

The representative said UNICEF will continue to support the government to ensure that children and young people are not arbitrarily detained or separated from family, ensuring due process in a system that recognises their age and ensures that specifically trained personnel are working with them to achieve rehabilitation.

According to UNICEF, the establishment of separate children’s 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 the child-sensitive environment with trained judges and legal professionals,” it said.

The decision came at a crucial time, after the civil unrest in Bangladesh in 2024 when 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.