Context: Universal Children’s Day
November 20, 2014
Press Statement
Today marks the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child by United Nations. Nepal ratified the Convention on September 14, 1990. November 20 is observed as Universal Children’s Day worldwide. In this context, we express our deepest concern regarding the situation of children in Nepal.
INSEC records show that at least 65 children were trafficked, 250 raped and 87 were sexually abused in the first 10 months of 2014. During this period, 13 were girl child among the 20 killed by non-state actors.
Likewise, victimization of children has not decreased in 2013 and 2014. This identifies the insensitiveness of the present generation towards children. INSEC recorded 799 incidents of child rights violation in 2013. Among those, 407 were incidents of rape. 39 children were killed the same year while 17 were abducted. Likewise, 87 incidents of molestation were recorded. INSEC has recorded 455 incidents of child rights violation till October 2014. Of which, nine are related to child labor, 65 child trafficking, 22 child marriage, 250 rape, and 11 of new-born killings. Similarly, 20 children have been killed and 14 abducted in this period.
There is lack of law to stop mistreatment and sexual violence against children in Nepal and existing laws are also being implemented in an insensitive manner. Though chapter 14 of the Muluki Ain (General code) of Nepal has provisions regarding rape and sexual violence, some incidents do not reach the ambit of law due to the 35-day statute of limitation. Making inability to timely report the exploitation one is subjected to the basis of amnesty to perpetrators can never be accepted fair. We demand amendment of the existing laws according to the welfare of the children.
The concerned stakeholders have not yet given attention to the effects corporal punishment has on children. Schools not being friendly to children with disabilities have contributed to many children being deprived of education. Basic education in mother tongue has not transformed into practice yet.
The above facts demonstrate a situation without childishness of children of Nepal. The current generation portrays children as leaders of future. However, they are not clearly adopting their roles in protection and development of children in order to make them future leaders. We call on all, including the political parties, teacher’s community, and guardians to seriously draw the attention of the government on this this issue seriously.
Subodh Raj Pyakurel
Chairperson