Bangladesh’s commitment to child protection receives a significant boost as the government collaborates with Unicef to expand the social workforce by 40%. This initiative aims to recruit and train over 1,200 dedicated social workers, bringing the total number to over 4,000 nationwide.
A pivotal moment was marked with the completion of a comprehensive 3-day orientation Training of Trainers (ToT) program in Dhaka, jointly organized by the Department of Social Services (DSS) and Unicef. This program equips select social workers with essential skills for introducing new recruits to Child Protection Social Services.
Led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the government’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding children’s rights underscores the importance of this initiative.
Dr Dipu Moni, Social Welfare Minister, expressed gratitude for Unicef’s support and stressed the significance of enhancing the nation’s child protection system.
The European Union Ambassador to Bangladesh, Charles Whiteley, praised the government’s dedication to investing in child protection, highlighting the EU’s longstanding collaboration.
Sheldon Yett, Unicef Representative to Bangladesh, emphasized the crucial role of social workers in providing essential care and support to children facing violence. He underscored the necessity of equipping them with adequate knowledge and resources to tackle the challenges effectively.
Despite progress, challenges such as child labor, inadequate birth registration, and child marriage persist. Unicef advocates for collaborative efforts to address these issues comprehensively.
The expansion and empowerment of the child protection workforce are crucial, requiring sustained investment in human resources and specialized training programs to meet evolving needs.
Unicef urges the government to prioritize the expansion of the child protection workforce to ensure every child’s rights and well-being.
With support from the European Union and other stakeholders, Unicef remains committed to building a robust national child protection system for all children in Bangladesh.
