Cox’s Bazar Correspondent

Friends in Village Development Bangladesh (FIVDB), with technical support from Plan International Bangladesh and funding from Radiohjälpen organised a significant advocacy workshop under the Prevention and Response of Child Protection Concerns through Timely Initiative with Child Engagement (PRACTICE) project at Hotel Uniresort in Cox’s Bazar recently.

The workshop itled “Identify and Place the Advocacy Asks to District-Level Relevant Stakeholders,” followed up on previous discussions with media, political representatives, and policymakers. The session focused on key child protection issues, particularly the prevention of child marriage—a critical concern in Rohingya camps and host communities.

Chief Guest Mohammed Mizanur Rahman, Honourable Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC) and Additional Secretary, underscored the urgency of collective action, stating, “Protecting children requires a joint effort. We must identify and address the root causes of child marriage through awareness and sustainable community engagement.”

Khanjada Shahriar Bin Mannan, Senior Assistant Secretary and Camp-in-Charge (CiC) of Camp 24, praised FIVDB’s impactful interventions, including positive parenting sessions, Father’s Café, and community dialogues, which empower families to prevent child marriage. Additionally, Nowsher Ibni Halim, Assistant Commissioner (GCO, NGO Cell), Cox’s Bazar, also attended the workshop as a distinguished guest.

The workshop also addressed other pressing advocacy concerns, including the rise in CAFFAG cases, the expansion of life skills training, and the need for child-friendly spaces in Cox’s Bazar.

FIVDB and Plan International Bangladesh reaffirmed their commitment to advancing child protection initiatives and will continue working towards impactful policy changes.