The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Nine non-government organisations, including Care Bangladesh, Action Aid, Bangladesh Shishu Adhikar Forum and Durjoy Nari Sangha demanded basic rights for sex workers' children.

These NGO's also launched a joint watch group titled "Networking and Advocacy for Children Rights in Bangladesh" to monitor the implementation of the rights of the sex workers' children.

They said this at a press conference at the Reporters Unity yesterday in the city.

The new organisation will also work to enhance sex workers' position in society so that their children could enter the mainstream.

They said Bangladesh, as a state constitutionally determined to ensure children's rights. But society does not accept them like other children, who were known by their father's identity.

The children of sex workers live in social stigma. They are deprived of all kind of rights. To get admited into public school or birth registration certificate father's identity is necessary. But children neither could get admission in school nor registration, as their father's identity could not be ascertained.

Floating sex workers' children are always humiliated for their mother's profession. These children are always at the risk of abuse, oppression, trafficking and harassment

Soniya Afrin of Care Bangladesh, Mainuddin Ahmed of Bangladesh Shishu Adhikar Forum, Abu Naim, Jagorony Chakra Foundation, Chanchalla of Shapla Mohila Sangha, Hena of Sex workers Network of Bangladesh, were present Shahnaz Begum of Durjoy Nari Sangha addressed the press conference.