Sydney community leaders exchange views with UNICEF Policy Specialist

A dialogue meeting was held with expatriate Bangladeshi community leaders in Sydney to highlight UNICEF's initiatives and the collective commitment of political parties to ensure the rights, dignity, and overall well-being of children in Bangladesh.

The meeting was held at Nawab Restaurant in Campbelltown on Sunday (January 19) under the initiative of Subcontinent Friends of Campbelltown, the organizing organization of the Campbelltown Ekushey Mela. UNICEF Policy Specialist from Bangladesh, Mrs. Hasina Begum, was present as the chief guest.

At the meeting, Mrs. Hasina Begum gave details about the Children's Charter, recently drafted in Bangladesh under the auspices of UNICEF in collaboration with 12 political parties. She said that the charter reflects a historic and collective commitment to ensure the rights, dignity, and well-being of all children in the country, regardless of party affiliation.

He further said that the Children's Charter includes timely and important issues, including child protection, education, health, nutrition, prevention of child abuse and exploitation. This consensus of 12 political parties has established children's rights as a national priority, transcending political divisions. He also expressed hope that this policy, which aligns with the International Convention on the Rights of the Child, will play a crucial role in the long-term human and social development of Bangladesh.

The community leaders present at the meeting took the matter seriously and raised various questions, which Mrs. Hasina Begum satisfactorily explained.