Consortium for Street Children

Paraphrased Mission: Consortium for Street Children works alongside governments, NGOs, businesses, and policymakers to impact and aid children living on the streets in over 135 countries. They fight for street children to be treated equally, be heard, and have rights to life, survival, and development. One of their current, major projects is Advocating for Rights of Street Children in Bangladesh where they are working to get street children access to education, healthcare, shelter, and safe employment. 

The OCTW Connection: This issue is important to me because there are many children around the world, and especially in Bangladesh that are innocent and forced into dangerous conditions. Through no fault of their own, they are not given the right opportunities or tools to live a fruitful life during their youth. I think it is very important to provide young people with the right opportunities so that they can learn and grow without danger. 

Facts and Figures about the issue: In the country of Bangladesh, more than 50% of the population lives below the poverty line. Around 1.5 million children in Bangladesh live on the streets and 75% live in the capital, Dhaka. Street children in Bangladesh struggle with poverty and don’t have access to healthcare, education, or legal protection. These children are forced to and perform dangerous jobs such as drug dealing and land grabbing, which often leads to a violent lifestyle. They are forced into this life because they are either orphans or their parents can’t provide for them. Bangladesh is the most densely populated country in the world, and their population is continuously growing, leading to an increase in the number of street children.

Regional Context: The People’s Republic of Bangladesh, or more popularly called Bangladesh, is located in south asia with a population of 162 million people. Bangladesh is one of the most ethnically homogeneous countries in the world, with Bengalis making up 98% of the population. Currently, Bangladesh is facing major challenges of the refugee crisis, political corruption, and negative effects of climate change. 

Educational Resources

Global Giving: Bangladesh Street Children Assistance

D+C: Street Children and Organized Crime in Bangladesh