UNICEF delegation meets deputy speaker, discuss on child-friendly policies

A delegation of UNICEF Bangladesh, led by Social Policy Chief Stanley Gwavuya, paid a courtesy call on Deputy Speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad Kayser Kamal at his office in the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban on Tuesday.

During the meeting, the deputy speaker said that despite having children, many people are not adequately conscious of their safety and protection.

He appreciated UNICEF’s efforts in promoting child-friendly budgets and policies even before the formation of the parliamentary caucus on children, read a press release.

Kayser Kamal said a fruitful discussion could be arranged through roundtable meetings involving lawmakers who speak in parliament on child-friendly policy formulation.

The UNICEF representative said there is a need for pre-budget briefings and roundtable discussions with members of parliament as part of advocacy efforts. Such initiatives create opportunities for children to directly exchange views with policymakers.

He also stressed that ensuring transparency and accountability in the implementation of budget allocations is as important as increasing budgetary provisions for children.

The meeting discussed issues relating to child rights, child-friendly policy formulation, increased budgetary allocations, social protection and various bilateral cooperation matters.

Among others, UNICEF Social Policy and Economic Specialist Md Ashik Iqbal, Communication Specialist Faria Selim, Communication Officer Karishma Ahmed and concerned officials of the Jatiya Sangsad Secretariat were present at the meeting.