National Coalition Profile - Bangladesh

Summary: The Government of Bangladesh is
committed to the implementation of the
Convention of the
Rights of the Child (CRC).

NATIONAL COALITION PROFILE
BANGLADESH SHISHU ADHIKER FORUM (BSAF)
Background:
The Government of Bangladesh is committed to the implementation of
the Convention of the Rights of the Child (CRC). As a mark of this
commitment the government has implemented important measures, such
as:
i) The formulation of the Decade Action Plan for the Girl Child (1991-
2000),
ii) The adoption of the National Children Policy (1994),
iii) The constitution of the National Children Council,
iv) The incorporation of a chapter on Child Development in the
country’s fifth Five Year Plan, and
v) The formulation of the National Plan of Action for Children (1997-
2002).
A special unit was created in the Ministry of Women and Children
Affairs for the prevention of violence against women and children. A
National Steering Committee is functioning within the Ministry of
Labor & Employment to oversee child labor issues. NGO activities
and contributions to supplement the Government’s efforts are also
crucial toward achieving a ‘child friendly’ environment.
Reporting process to UN Committee on the Rights of the Child:
The Government of Bangladesh submitted its initial and supplementary
reports to the UNCRC Committee in December 1996. The Bangladesh
Shishu Adhikar Forum (BSAF) submitted an Alternative Report. Also
the Bangladesh Shishu Sangjog, an informal coordinating body,
submitted a report to the Committee. All these reports were prepared
through consultative processes and shared with UN agencies such as
UNDP, UNICEF, UNFPA and the World Bank.
History of the coalition:
BSAF is a national network of 106 NGOs actively engaged in the child
rights activities. BSAF stands for protecting and promoting the
rights of the child. It was formed in 1990 against the backdrop of
Convention coming into force, the World Summit Declaration and
subsequent SAARC commitments, in order to ensure services and human
rights to disadvantaged children. The goal of the Bangladesh Shishu
Adhikar Forum (BSAF) is to promote the UN Convention on the Rights of
the Child with the vision of establishing a healthy; child rights
enriched society, free of abuse, exploitation and discrimination for
all disadvantaged children of Bangladesh.
Through the inclusion of organizations working with children into the
coalition, BSAF’s mission is:
- To stop child abuse, exploitation, trafficking of children;