On August 2, UNICEF reviewed preliminary data and reported that at least 32 children had died in the violence related to the quota reform movement in Bangladesh. The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has now stated that over 65 children have died during the crackdown on the quota reform movement in Bangladesh.
In a statement on Friday, Najat Maalla M'jid, the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative on Violence against Children, referred to UNICEF's report.
The quota reform movement, initially part of an anti-discrimination student protest since July 1, turned violent on July 15. The violence continued after the deaths on July 16, extending through August 5, including the days following the government’s fall. M'jid stated, "According to the most recent verified information, over 65 children have been killed in Bangladesh while they were participating in 'peaceful protests.' The young people and children of Bangladesh were at the forefront of the recent protests. They achieved a lot but paid a huge price for it."
She has called for a full, independent, impartial, and transparent investigation into all incidents of violence during the quota reform movement from the UN Secretary-General and the High Commissioner for Human Rights. The UN and its various agencies have accused the government of using 'excessive force' in suppressing the movement, and international media have also reported on the deaths of children amid the violence.
Earlier, on August 2, UNICEF had reported that at least 32 children had died in the violence associated with the quota reform movement.
UNICEF considers individuals under 18 as children and works with governments to protect children. M'jid's statement emphasized the need for the interim government to expand and strengthen various institutions and social programs to make them more accessible to children.
She welcomed the release of arrested children and demanded the withdrawal of harassment charges against them under cybercrime and anti-terrorism laws.
In her statement, the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative urged the government to protect children's freedom of expression and their right to peaceful assembly.
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