The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Speakers at a symposium yesterday stressed the need for more social protection in particular for children in South Asian countries for achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDG's) by the year 2015.

They pointed out that there are half a billion children and young people in the region that comprises 40 per cent of the total population. Social disparities and economic inequality are increasing despite rapid growth and economic development in South Asia, they added.

Some of them expressed apprehensions that the MDG's target might not be achieved by the target year of 2015 if social disparities and economic inequality persist.

"Social protection could be underpin the efforts for MDG's achievements" they observed at the concluding session of the South Asia Regional Policy Makers symposium on ' Social Protection' organised by Unicef, Dhaka office at a city hotel.

"Social inequality and disparities are still challenges for South Asia" they said adding proper implementation of laws are important for establishing social rights and protection.

Jafar Ahmed Chowdhury, Secretary of Planning Commission said Bangladesh has achieved robust economic growth despite natural calamities.

"Our commitment in the Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers (PRSP) is helping us in achieving the MDG's," he added.

Yoriko Yasukawa, associate director of Policy Advocacy and Knowledge Management of Unicef assured all kinds of assistance in South Asian countries for ensuring social protection.

Gabriele Kohler, regional adviser on social policy, Unicef ROSA, Prof Naila Kabeer, Institute of Development Studies, Sussex also spoke on the occasion.