DHAKA: Supreme Court Justice Muhammad Imman Ali, a living legend of Bangladesh, has been given one of Europe’s most prestigious awards for his invaluable contribution towards the protection of children in Bangladesh.

The International Juvenile Justice Observatory (IJJO), presented the Juvenile Justice Without Borders International Award in Brussels, Belgium to him in the presence of his family members as well as diplomatic and other officials representing over 50 countries.

IJJO supports international advocacy on priority child issues and focuses on child-friendly justice, violence against children, mental health issues, prevention of delinquency and other topics related to juvenile justice systems and children’s rights.

In his opening remarks, the Director of International Affairs of IJJO said: “Through this award, the International Juvenile Justice Observatory would like to distinguish Imman Ali’s dedication to the protection of children’s rights. As a judge of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh, he has worked as a key player to address the social, educational and welfare challenges facing children, by raising awareness around the judicial safeguards in the Bangladesh legal system.

“He has become an inspiring example of the defence of children’s rights for many of the countries of the Asia-pacific region.”

On January 13, 2011, the Supreme Court Justice (who in judicial circles is affectionately known as ‘the children’s judge’) distinguished himself by prompting action of the Ministry of Education that led to immediate prohibition of corporal punishment in all educational institutions throughout Bangladesh. Through his judgments, he was the driving force behind the implementation of laws relating to juvenile justice and the ultimate enactment of the Children Act 2013.

BDST: 1457 HRS, DEC 13, 2014