‘Rehabilitation, not punishment’

Demanding a separate justice system for children, speakers at a  roundtable yesterday highlighted that punishment should not be the main  purpose of juvenile justice; rather measures should be taken so they do not get involved in  any criminal activity.

They also expressed grave concern over the low capacity and overcrowded juvenile correction centres.

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The  roundtable titled "Juvenile Justice System: Challenges and Way Forward"  was organised by Bangladesh National Woman Lawyers' Association (BNWLA)  at the Liberation War Museum at the capital's Agargaon, as part of  observing 16 Days of Activism campaign.

Speakers also noted the  lack of awareness about the Children Act 2013 among law enforcement  agencies, human rights activists and development agencies.

According  to the act, it is necessary to establish a separate children's desk in  each police station, pointed out BNWLA president Salma Ali,

Under  the Juvenile Justice Act 1974, two juvenile courts were established,  but the current situation requires at least one juvenile court in each  district and metropolitan area to ensure justice for children, she  added.

Rakib Hasan, deputy director of Department of Social  Services, said children are getting involved in various crimes  instigated by adults, and as a result, teen gangs are being formed.

He said family conferences could play an effective role in curbing juvenile delinquency.

Jamila  Akhter, child protection specialist at Unicef, said proper  implementation of a community-based child protection strategy is the  only way to ensure reduction in juvenile delinquency and justice in  society. Unicef is working with five ministries in this regard.

Sima  Jahur, vice president of BNWLA, in her closing remarks said children  should be treated like children, not criminals. She also recommended  raising social awareness so adults cannot involve children in crimes.

Benuar  Khatun, deputy director (daycare) at women's affairs department, and  Mahmud Jahangir Alam Mollah, senior district and sessions judge (retd),  also spoke at the event.