View 62pc of country’s children
More than 62 percent of the country’s children between the ages of 12 and 17 think that political leaders are heedless of ensuring their rights because they cannot vote, reveals a Unicef opinion poll. Findings suggest that 90 percent of children are aware of their rights, while 70 percent believe that they face discriminatory attitudes from older children the most.A total of 4,200 children with an equal share of girls and boys from all seven divisions were polled in July-August this year by Unicef. They were asked what they want from political leaders.
“Although children make up 40 percent of the total population, their voices often go unheard,” Unicef Representative in Dhaka Pascal Villeneuve said in a statement. “We believe that this survey results will eventually set pace in the execution of child-responsive policies in Bangladesh.”
The recent political strikes have hindered their studies, reported 70 percent of children. They also expressed aversion to politics. About 74 percent of urban children and 65 percent in rural areas said they did not want to join politics in the future, as it involves corruption and violence.
More than one-third of children, 81 percent, viewed that teachers should be held responsible for corporeal punishment and 77 percent think that a law could eliminate such punishment.
As a means of entertainment, 83 percent asked for open playgrounds, while 73 percent stressed the need for cultural organisations in their locality.
Around 80 percent hope that political leaders will ensure free medical care for children.
The Children’s Opinion Survey 2013 was assisted by Save the Children, ActionAid, World Vision, Plan International, and National Children’s Task Force.
-With The Daily Star input
