All News

The Informal Sector Service Center (INSEC) Gandaki Province Office issued a press release on February 15 drawing serious attention to the incident where teacher Sushma Shrestha at Prabhat Academy Boarding School of Bhimad Municipality-6, Tanahu burned the cheek of a fourth-grade student with a hot iron on February 11. The 1989 International Convention on the Rights of the Child, to which Nepal is a signatory, emphasizes that all member states must prioritize the best interests of children. Article 39 of the Constitution of Nepal addresses the Fundamental Rights of the Children, and Article 51, Sub-article(a) 5 affirms that the state has adopted the policy of prioritizing the best interests of children as a fundamental principle of the state.

In the press release issued by INSEC Gandaki Province Coordinator Shiva Khakurel, it is stated that Section 7, Sub-section 6 of the Act Relating to Children 2018 ensures children’s right to be protected from any action that may affect their physical and mental health. Additionally, Section 16, Sub-section 1 emphasizes the need to prioritize children’s best interests.

The press release stated that Clause (b) of Objective (3) in Point 6.3 of the School Peace Framework and Implementation Guidelines 2011 ensures that no physical or mental punishment can be administered in schools under any circumstances. Additionally, Section 57 of the Child Rights Act 2018 provides provisions for child protection. Despite the numerous national and international legal frameworks and sensitivities committed by the state for child rights, various incidents of child rights violations continue to occur across the country. Additionally, the press release called for the effective implementation of international commitments on child rights and the provisions of the Constitution of Nepal and other relevant laws. Furthermore, it urged all stakeholders to ensure impartial investigations and legal actions against those responsible for child rights violations.

Prakash Chandra Bhattarai