The New Nation - Internet Edition

WP Reporter

On October 28, 2007, Ichchey Media Group launched a 26 minutes long video documentary titled as 'Nirobotar Mukty-2', on Violence against Children at LGED Bhaban, main building, level-2 Hall Room, to create awareness among the people. The documentary was based on true incidents. Dr. Selim Al Din, eminent playwright and professor of Dramatics, Jahangir Nagar University, inaugurated it. Muzzammil Husain, Deputy Editor of daily Samakal was the moderator who was accompanied by Ms. Salma Ali, Executive Director, BNWLA, A. B. M. Abdus Sattar, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Labour & Employment, Bangladesh Secretariat, and Obaidur Rahman, acting Country Representative of SCSD.

The dignitaries participated the event as discussants and opined that the government should provide a safe society and environment for the children to grow up. Along with the guidance by their guardians, they should also be provided with a better social and cultural atmosphere where they would not fall victims to sexual harassments to physical or mental violence.

The chief Guest of Honor Dr. Selim Al Din opined that, 'exposing children to violence and the relevant harsh reality would not do them any good, rather we should protect them building a safer social environment, where they would not experience anything like the incidents portrayed in the documentary.' Right now, one in four children worldwide is suffering physical, sexual or psychological abuse, neglect or exploitation.

Subjecting children to physical or sexual violence can have horrific consequences that can last throughout their lives. Children are very often sexually harassed, physically and mentally tortured, at their home, in schools, at working place and even by the law and enforcement agents.

They are the most vulnerable component of the society. Ms. Salma Ali opined that 'We must have a commitment to build a safer society for our children. Most of the violated and tortured children do not know whom to approach for help when they encounter a brutal treatment. There are scores of rape cases which are never reported.' A recent UN Study on violence against children inspired governments worldwide to commit to end violence against children as part of a UN Resolution to implement the recommendations mentioned in the study.

The study examined the nature, extent and causes of violence and thus, confirmed that violence is a huge problem with devastating effects on millions of children all over the world. A.B.M. Abdus Sattar said, 'Our government is willing to develop the social infrastructure and by implementing the newly constructed laws, they are looking forward for an active resolution.' 40 million children under the age of 15 are victim of violence every year. Violence against children represents a failure by governments to uphold their fundamental rights and comply with the basic function of government - to protect its citizens.

This year Governments worldwide gathered on October 19, 2007 at the UN marking the Global Action Day on violence against children and to decide what new action they will commit to and how they will follow up the recommendations already agreed upon. It could be mentioned that, this endeavor was jointly collaborated by Save the Children Sweden-Denmark and daily Samakal. Cool Exposure, a media communication house, coordinates and renders services for the event management and PR.