Third and Fourth Periodic Report on CRC - Unicef

<strong>Third</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Fourth</strong> <strong>Periodic</strong> <strong>Report</strong>
orphanages <strong>and</strong> safe home etc has been further enhanced. The MoSW, as mentioned earlier, has been
implementing a project to improve the situation of street children through its Appropriate Resources for
Improving Street Children's Environment (ARISE) project. Presently another project called PCAR supported by
UNICEF with some new focuses has been launched.
5.9 Illicit transfer <strong>and</strong> non-return
Despite intermarriage between Bangladeshi nationals <strong>and</strong> nationals of other countries <strong>and</strong> the existence of
large Bangladeshi communities in a number of countries outside Bangladesh, the country in rare occasions face
problems relating to the illicit transfer <strong>and</strong> non-return of children. In 1972, following Liberation, some children
were sold, transported or adopted misusing the Bangladesh Ab<strong>and</strong>oned Children (Special Provision) Order.
Subsequently, the Order was repealed.
Bangladesh is neither a party to the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction nor
to any other bilateral or multilateral agreements in this area. Most reported children used as camel jockeys are
brought back home, <strong>and</strong> reintegrated.
5.10 Abuse <strong>and</strong> neglect including physical
<strong>and</strong> psychological recovery <strong>and</strong> social reintegration
As per the Children's Act 1974, it is an offence to assault, ill-treat, neglect or ab<strong>and</strong>on a child. Under the
Suppression of Violence Against Women <strong>and</strong> Children Act 2000 (as amended in 2003) 42 Special Tribunals
have been established in 33 districts of the country <strong>and</strong> a Special Judge has been posted to each tribunal for
trying cases only relating to violence against women <strong>and</strong> children including trafficking in them. Forty two
(Special) Public Prosecutors have been designated in 42 tribunals for conducting these cases. A Deputy
Attorney General has been designated for dealing with cases in trafficking in women <strong>and</strong> children at the national
level. This initiative was taken to facilitate the quick disposal of cases related to trafficking in women <strong>and</strong>
children.
The Government is planning to improve the whole gamut of police administration of the country. Among others,
'model thana (police station) development' concept would be tried to 'st<strong>and</strong>ardize' or 'rationalize' the police in
terms of bringing behavioural change <strong>and</strong> making them people-friendly. Based on the experiences, the concept
will be replicated throughout the country. It is believed that the children issues will be addressed with special
care under the initiative.
Large-scale awareness campaigns <strong>and</strong> programmes were undertaken by both GO <strong>and</strong> NGOs on issues related
to CRC including abuse, violence, neglect etc. Television drama, jingles, street theatre, <strong>and</strong> other types of mass
awareness methods are used to promote behavioural change.
5.11 <strong>Periodic</strong> review of placement
Children come into contact with the law for a variety of reasons. As per the Children Act 1974, child offenders
can be ordered to be placed with a certified institute or an approved home. However, children are susceptible
to abuse. This is likely to be the fate of the street children who are detained by the police on the pretext of being
a 'vagrant'. Children found homeless <strong>and</strong> taken by the police are often confined in vagrant homes <strong>and</strong> shelters.
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