• • The alternative report should spotlight on the concluding observations of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women on the combined sixth and seventh periodic reports of Bangladesh as well as on information provided by Bangladesh on the follow-up to the concluding observations of the Committee. report to the CEDAW Forum and Citizens’ Initiatives on CEDAW-Bangladesh. • The National Human Rights Commission should share the draft  Bangladesh has reservations on Article 2 and 16(1)(C) of CEDAWthe report should explore where Bangladesh is standing at present on withdrawing reservations. The report should also focus on Bangladesh’s position on any existing discriminatory laws, policies and practices. Workshop on The Child Marriage Scenario in Bangladesh held ‘We want to put across a clear message – there can be no marriage below the age of 18. The National Human Rights Commission will not accept any deviation from this position’ - was voiced by Prof. Dr. Mizanur Rahman, Chairman, National Human Rights Commission (JAMAKON), Bangladesh at the workshop titled, ‘Child Marriage Scenario andLegal Reforms’ on 11th June, 2015, RDEC Conference Room, LGED Bhaban, Dhaka. In spite of having one of the highest rate of child marriage of girls, the current government has been considering to lower the legal marriageable age for girls from 18 to 16. In his speech, the Chief Guest of the event Mr. Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury, Information Advisor to the Prime Minister, encouraged the NGOs and activists to consult with the Parliamentary Standing Committees’. He added, ‘The Prime Minister will not enact any law that is contrary to the rights of women and children. She will not force anything without considering all voices to enact laws.’ He agreed that State institutions and media play enormous role to prevent child marriages in the society. The importance of Kishori Clubs to empower young women to take a stand against this social problem was voiced. The keynote presentation was made by Mr. Kazi Reazul Hoque, Full Time Member, JAMAKON. His presentation highlighted problems of poverty, ignorance, lack of birth registration, weak legislative reforms, penalty system as factors behind the practice. In his concluding remarks Prof. Dr. Mizanur Rahman emphasized on joint efforts to tackle push and pull factors for which this practice has remained prevalent. Bangladesh undoubtedly has immense success in meeting social indicators, yet child marriage is a social ill that can take us backwards. Key recommendations were: • • • • • The meeting urged the government to keep the minimum age of marriage at 18 years. The new legislation on Restraining Child Marriage should be enacted as an apriority and without any delay. To stop child marriage by reducing poverty, ensuring social security and continuing education of girl child. Media campaigns to raise awareness among all stakeholders are important. Need to focus on awareness of parents and the community. Prohibition of affidavit as a proof of age- for marriage. 19 JAMAKON