Children's Rights Without Discrimination Urged

The international children’s rights organization, Kochi Konther Asar, has submitted four separate memorandums to the Chief Advisor of the interim government Professor Dr. Mohammad Yunus, the UN Regional Office, UNICEF and the US Embassy in Dhaka on Thursday. 

These memorandums called for an end to the violation of children's rights globally including in Bangladesh.

The organization conducted a day-long program on the day to mark World Children’s Day and World Children’s Week 2024.

In response to questions from journalists, Qayum Khan, Secretary General of the Central Executive Committee of Kochi Konther Asar, stated, "Children are being abused in various ways in all countries, including Bangladesh. Children in war-torn countries, in particular, are suffering from extreme violence and hardship."

Citing recent events, Khan added that many children were injured or killed during recent uprisings, with the world also witnessing the suffering of children in the conflicts in Palestine, Israel, Ukraine, and Russia.

Founder of Kochi Konther Asar, Hemayet Hossain, emphasized that children in many countries, including Bangladesh, are still denied their basic rights. "Discrimination is evident even in fundamental human rights," he said, also pointing out that street children do not receive any support from government hospitals.

After the speeches, a group of child representatives, alongside a UNICEF rally and road march, presented their demands through memorandums. A special memorandum was submitted to the office of the Chief Advisor at 11 a.m., followed by submissions to the United Nations and the US Embassy at noon.

A minute of silence was observed in honor of children who were killed or injured in anti-discrimination movements.

Students from various institutions, including Bengali and English medium schools, autism schools, madrasas, and schools such as USEP School, Autism Welfare Foundation, Mastul School, Karail Slum Street School, Academia, Manipur School (Tribal Students), Al Amin Hifzul Quran Madrasah and Orphanage, and Mapleleaf School, were present. The participants held placards with messages such as “End Child Labor,” “Reform Right to Education for Children,” and “Save Gaza, Save Ukraine, Stop the War.”

Kochi Konther Asar distributed nutritious food to over 5,000 school students at Surupi Salina Baksa High School grounds in Muksudpur On October 1. Kochi Konther Asar USA and Children’s Voice sponsored this event.

The organization, which works across several countries including Bangladesh, has made significant contributions to the development of children's education, health, culture, and environmental awareness. This year, Kochi Konther Asar celebrates its 48th anniversary, marking a milestone in its service to children's development.

Notably, Kochi Konther Asar was the only children’s organization from Bangladesh to participate in the World Summit for Children held at the United Nations Headquarters in 1990. Founder Hemayet Hossain played a pivotal role in advocating for children’s rights on the global stage.

As part of World Children’s Day and World Children’s Week 2024, the organization has planned a week-long series of activities, including joy rallies, drawing competitions, cultural programs, press conferences, and the distribution of nutritious food to children. - Press release