A recent report sheds light on the staggering reality of over 3.4 million children enduring life on the streets without parental care in Bangladesh.
Unveiled at the National Art Gallery, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, the Qualitative Study on Children in Street Situations, under the “Child Sensitive Social Protection in Bangladesh (CSPB) Project, Phase-II,” captures the voices of over 400 children from various districts, revealing the grim challenges they face daily.
This collaborative effort between the Department of Social Services, Ministry of Social Welfare, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, and Unicef Bangladesh, supported by the European Union (EU) and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), aims to address the multifaceted issues surrounding street children.
Titled “Voices from the Shadows,” the study delves into the complex realities behind each street child, emphasizing the need for comprehensive actions to tackle their plight.
Sheldon Yett, Representative to Unicef Bangladesh, emphasized the urgency of understanding the human stories behind the statistics, stressing the importance of proactive measures to support these vulnerable children.
Factors such as poverty, climate change, disasters, and dysfunctional migration contribute to the alarming numbers of street children, according to Unicef.
Social Welfare Minister Dr. Dipu Moni underscored the necessity of empathy and effective policies to safeguard vulnerable children, highlighting the nation’s commitment to enhancing child protection mechanisms.
Policy recommendations from the report advocate for strengthened child protection frameworks to combat abuse, exploitation, and illegal activities among street children.
State Minister Simeen Hussain Rimi, Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, highlighted ongoing efforts to provide rehabilitation and support services for street children, aiming to improve their well-being and mental health.
The partnership between the Child Protection Section of Bangladesh and the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs aims to combat violence against children and women through sustainable interventions.
The gallery exhibition vividly portrays the harsh realities faced by street children through installation art and photographs, including artworks created by the children themselves, offering a poignant glimpse into their lives.
Among the stories shared is that of Rohini, an 11-year-old girl who fled abusive conditions at home, now finding solace in the companionship of a kitten as she navigates life on the streets.
Similarly, Karim, a 9-year-old from Coxbazar, abandoned by both parents, finds camaraderie among his fellow street dwellers as he adapts to life without familial support.
