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UNICEF has suggested an independent investigation into the incidents of alleged killing of children during the July-August protest in Bangladesh in 2024, as mentioned in the UN Human Rights Office's fact-finding report.
"These findings must horrify us all, and UNICEF appeals to all across Bangladesh to ensure that 'never again' this is allowed to happen to children in the country," it said.
The UN Human Rights Office on Wednesday disclosed its comprehensive report on the killings and injuries that occurred during the July-August mass protest. It said more than a hundred children were killed in the massacre, unleashed by the ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina government.
UNICEF Bangladesh, in a statement on Wednesday night, said the UN report on the tragic events that took place in Bangladesh in July-August 2024 is shocking and heartbreaking. Among the 1,400 people, killed between July 1 and August 15, more than a hundred were children, the report estimated.
UNICEF reported on many of these deaths and has continued to work on clarifying how many children were killed or hurt. Gender-based violence, including physical assaults and threats of rape, was also documented, aimed at deterring females from participating in the protest. Children were also killed, maimed, arbitrarily arrested, detained in inhumane conditions, and tortured.
In one harrowing case, a 12-year-old protester in Dhanmondi area died from internal bleeding, caused by 200 metal shot pellets. Another tragic incident involved a six-year-old girl in Narayanganj, who was killed by a bullet to the head while observing clashes from her rooftop.
On August 5, one of the deadliest days of the protest, a 12-year-old boy in Azampur area described police firing "everywhere like rainfall", witnessing at least a dozen dead-bodies, according to UNICEF.
In light of the findings, UNICEF, building on its previous statements on these tragedies, stresses the need for all policymakers in Bangladesh, political actors and officials to work urgently on three key aspects to help the children, young people and families to heal, and to move forward with hope.
In calling for accountability and reform, UNICEF offers support to ensure that there are independent investigations into all cases of violence, abuse, and unlawful detention of children.
It also suggested justice sector reforms that align Bangladesh's legal framework with international standards for child protection and stronger safeguards to prevent future violations, including establishment of independent monitoring mechanisms.
"Let us seize this moment for meaningful reform and ensure that no child, family and community in Bangladesh will go through such tragedies again," it added.
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