Child Brigade and Incidin Bangladesh, two NGOs, drafted a policy with a view to providing better security to the street children, who are staying at different centres or shelter homes.

Funded by Save the Children Sweden- Denmark, the two organisations released the policy titled "Child Protection Policy: Needs and Effectiveness" at a press conference at the Dhaka Reporters' Unity (DRU) yesterday.

Representatives from Child Brigade and Incidin Bangladesh said around 21 organisations are working with the street children for their rehabilitation, education and security. They said thereis no unique guideline on child protection at the organisations to be followed.

The recommendations on the policy will be presented to the government after discussion among the 21 organisations.

While reading out the keynote paper Advocacy Chief of Incidin Bangladesh Nasimul Ahsan said a unified policy can protect the street children from being repressed by the officials, employers or volunteers of the organisations or projects.

Categorising repression on the street children at the rehabilitation centres as physical, mental, sexual, negligence and rude behaviour, Nasimul said a standard policy will focus the children.

At the same time the complaints will be considered with much importance and necessary measures be taken immediately, he said. The policy will also include some specific criteria to employ the officials, necessary steps to register complaints on child repression.

" As Bangladesh has ratified the United Nations Child Rights Document, it is important to formulate a policy to protect the children," said Executive Director of Incidin Bangladesh Ratan Sarkar.

Coordinator of Safe Night Shelter project of Incidin Bangladesh Mohammad Mushfikur Rahman, Coordinator of Misplaced Childhood project Mohammad Aminul Islam, Representative of Child Brigade Monjur Hossain and NadiaAkhter were present.