Abstract:
Diversion for Child Rights Protection in Bangladesh: A Promising Alternative to the Formal
Justice System; Diversion has emerged as a promising alternative to the formal justice system for
children in conflict with the law in Bangladesh. By diverting children away from the formal justice
system and towards community-based interventions, diversion programs aim to address the
underlying causes of their offending behavior and promote positive outcomes for their well-being.
Research has demonstrated the effectiveness of diversion programs in reducing recidivism rates
among children in conflict with the law. Moreover, diversion programs have been associated with
a range of positive outcomes for children, including improved school attendance, enhanced mental
health, and increased engagement in pro-social activities. Despite the growing evidence of its
effectiveness, diversion is still not widely used in Bangladesh. This is due to factors such as limited
awareness of diversion programs among law enforcement officials and other stakeholders, as well
as a shortage of qualified diversion program personnel. To address these challenges and promote
the wider adoption of diversion for child rights protection in Bangladesh, several
recommendations can be considered. These include increased awareness and advocacy for
diversion programs, strengthened training and capacity building for diversion program personnel,
and the establishment of sustainable funding mechanisms for diversion programs.
By implementing these recommendations, Bangladesh can further strengthen its diversion
framework and reap the benefits of diversion for child rights protection. Diversion programs
have the potential to reduce recidivism, promote positive outcomes for children, and contribute
to a more humane and effective juvenile justice system.
