NHRC for formation of independent Children Commission
UNB
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has initiated a move to persuade the government to establish an independent National Commission to ensure the rights of children, reports UNB.
Weve sent a letter to the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs in this regard ... Weve already drafted a bill and will submit it to the ministry soon, NHRC full-time member and its acting chairman Kazi Reazul Hoque told UNB.
Once the Commission is established, children will be able to lodge their complaints with it, which will help protect and promote child rights.
The NHRC recently adopted a draft of the National Commission for Rights of the Child Bill, 2016, sponsored by Save the Children and Ain O Salish Kendra.
As non-government organisations have no jurisdiction to submit a draft bill to the government, the NHRC will send it to the ministry, he said, adding that as per its law, the NHRC can recommend the government to formulate various acts. About the background of the move, Reazul Hoque said the NHRC has a child rights committee, which involves local and international NGOs, the UN agencies and civil society members, and the committee is working to protect the rights of children.
He said the National Children Policy 2011 asks for the appointment of Ombudsman for Children to protect their rights.
According to the National Children Policy, an Ombudsman for Children shall be appointed under legislation at the national level. For monitoring the implementation of UN convention and maintaining childrens welfare in the National Action Plan, an Ombudsman for Children should be there.
Reazul Hoque, also chair of the NHRCs Child Rights Committee, said Save the Children and Ain O Salish Kendra had earlier taken an initiative to push the government to appoint an ombudsman for children. During consultation with them, I suggested forming an independent commission for children. If an ombudsman has been appointed, it would be a one-man show, he observed, saying that the Commission is much better than ombudsman but the commission should not be centered by one individual either.
But, the NHRC acting chairman said if an independent commission could be formed, it will be more accountable while there will be a scope to involve members from various sections and it will pave a way to work together to protect childrens rights.
He said he and Justice Iman Ali proposed for an independent children commission at a meeting with NGOs and civil society members, and the proposal was accepted by all. And since then, the NHRC, Save the Children and Ain O Salish Kendra are working together to push the government to form an independent commission for ensuring the rights of children.
Reazul Hoque said after submission of the draft of the National Commission for Rights of the Child Bill, 2016 to the Women and Children Affairs Ministry, it will start a process to have the Bill passed in parliament.
According to the draft bill, the government shall establish the National Commission for Rights of the Child with all necessary facilities and arrangements, and the President shall appoint a Chairman and two Commissioners as per provisions of this Act.
