Bhutan achieves nationwide coverage of Women and Child Protection Desks
Survivors of violence and children in conflict with the law will now have access to protection services in every district
JOINT PRESS RELEASE
Lhuentse, November 23: With the opening of a Women and Child Protection Desk (WCPD) at Lhuentse today, Bhutan has achieved nationwide coverage of protection desks with skilled professionals to prevent and respond to violence against women and children.
The Royal Bhutan Police (RBP) with the support of UNICEF instituted the establishment of protection desks in the main police stations in every district and set up another three Women and Child Protection Units (WCPU) in urban centres, to prevent and respond to child protection violations, including, violence, abuse, exploitation, trafficking, unnecessary family separation and supporting child survivors, witnesses and offenders. Along with Lhuentse, two more protection desks were established in Gasa and Pemagatshel this year.
The first WCPU was established at Thimphu Police Station in 2007. Records with the RBP show that between 2007 and 2024, a total of 12,654 women and 3,748 children who were victims/ survivors of gender based violence availed support from these desks and units.
Some of the most common issues managed by the desks are related to domestic violence, and referral to shelter and psychosocial support.
The establishment of these services in the communities was identified as an urgent need during the national consultation on women and child-friendly police procedures in 2005.
An assessment of the WCPU and WCPD in 2017 found that services for women and children from police to be prompt, responsive and that the interactions were child and women friendly. The desks also helped women and children get medical treatment and other support such as referral to social services and in some cases facilitating school admission for children.
Additional Chief of Police Colonel Phub Gyaltshen thanked UNICEF for the invaluable support and partnership in this endeavor.
“We are proud to announce that the Women and Child Protection Desks are now established in all 20 districts of Bhutan. The milestone is a testament to our unwavering commitment to protect the well-being of women and children across the nation,” he said. “The WCPDs play a crucial role in providing a safe and supportive environment for women and children, ensuring they receive the protection and assistance they deserve.”
Since 2007, UNICEF has supported the RBP in building the capacity of police personnel to manage gender-based violence cases and in furnishing all desks and units across the country.
UNICEF Bhutan Representative Andrea James commended the RBP for ensuring critical access to protection services to vulnerable women and children round the clock. “As the first responder to protection services, the WCPDs enable the RBP with a dedicated space to support and ensure the safety of women and children. These services are not only life -saving but also offer vulnerable women and children with hope and resilience to rebuild their lives,” the Representative said. “UNICEF commits to continue working with the RBP to sustain this achievement and build on the gains to make our communities, institutions and homes safe for every woman and child.”
The achievement will now be followed up with specialized training for police officers and personnel on the diversion of Children in Conflict with the Law (CICLs). This training will equip them with the knowledge and skills to handle cases professionally and to support child victims and witnesses with care and protection.
Efforts will also be made towards strengthening the support services available to women and children by improving collaboration between the justice sector including the RBP and social services such as The PEMA and CSOs - RENEW, and Nazhoen Lamtoen at both national and district levels.
UNICEF and partners will also enhance the rehabilitation and reintegration of CICLs into their communities, ensuring they receive the support and resources to successfully reintegrate, reducing the likelihood of reoffending and promoting their overall well-being.
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