UNICEF welcomes Bangladesh decision to establish separate courts for children

DHAKA, Bangladesh (MNTV) — The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has welcomed Bangladesh’s decision to establish separate courts for children, calling it a major step toward protecting child rights and creating a more just legal system.

In a statement on Sunday, UNICEF described the decision as “groundbreaking,” reaffirming Bangladesh’s commitment to implementing the Children Act, 2013, which aligns with international standards, including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).

UNICEF Representative in Bangladesh Rana Flowers highlighted concerns about the existing system, where children in need of social welfare support are often subjected to criminal trials. She emphasized that the new courts would prioritize rehabilitation over punishment, ensuring a legal framework that better protects children’s rights.

“This initiative is the result of the bold demands made by young people in the summer of 2024 for justice and a more just system,” Flowers said, Bdnews24 reports.

UNICEF pledged to support the Bangladesh government in ensuring children are not arbitrarily detained or separated from their families. Instead, the agency stressed the importance of an age-sensitive system where trained personnel provide legal and social support focused on rehabilitation.

The specialized courts will ensure that children who come into contact with the law are treated with dignity. They will provide a child-sensitive judicial environment, staffed by trained judges and legal professionals who understand the complexities of juvenile justice.

UNICEF said it remains committed to working with the government, judiciary, civil society, and young people to implement these reforms. The agency will support the establishment of children’s courts, train legal professionals, and strengthen social service systems to ensure children receive the protection and justice they deserve.