Unicef on Thursday praised the recent release of 345 children from detention centres in Bangladesh by virtual courts.
”This marks an important step towards children’s access to justice in Bangladesh that places the protection, safety and best interests of children first,” said Unicef Representative in Bangladesh Tomoo Hozumi.
The Bangladesh Supreme Court initiated the use of virtual courts in May, 2020 with support from Unicef.
Over 1,400 children have been released from detention centres through these virtual courts since then.
Less than 0.5 percent of these children have re-offended following their release.
”Detention takes a heavy toll on children’s mental and physical health. To avoid that, so unnecessary institutionalisation must be avoided. Thus, Unicef calls for the introduction of non-custodial solutions for these children who are victims, witnesses or accused of crimes,” Hozumi in the statement said.
The Unicef Representative in Bangladesh said that it needs to be ensured that all children can safely return to their families. Otherwise, appropriate alternative care should be released from detention centres.
”This is particularly very important during the current hard times when centre staffing is limited and children face a higher risk of infection, neglect and abuse in the overcrowded detention centres.”
Hozumi continued that Bangladesh has demonstrated a strong leadership role during the pandemic by embracing judicial reforms for the betterment of children and their rights.
Unicef lends its full support to the government of Bangladesh, the Supreme Court Special Committee on Child Rights, and the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs to improve children’s access to justice, Hozumi added.
”By strengthening the application of the Children’s Act 2013, we can prevent child detention in Bangladesh, including at the police level.”
