Kathmandu: World Children’s Day is being celebrated globally today with the theme, “Listen to the Future. Stand Up for Children’s Rights.” On this occasion, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of Nepal has urged all citizens, guardians, political parties, and rights activists to intensify efforts to safeguard children’s rights and create a child-friendly society.
In a press statement, NHRC Spokesperson Dr. Tikaram Pokharel called on all levels of government to prioritize the implementation of constitutional provisions, laws, and international conventions related to child rights. He stressed the importance of holding violators of child rights accountable to ensure basic rights, promote children’s welfare, operate child correction homes systematically, and launch child-friendly initiatives.
The NHRC highlighted positive developments, including the rescue of child workers, the establishment of the Child Labour Prevention Fund, daycare services, and meal programs for children. However, it expressed concerns about ongoing challenges, such as the rights of dependent children in prisons, the lack of child-friendly correction facilities, substandard day meal programs, and insufficient support for children within families and society.
The NHRC also emphasized the urgency of stronger action against perpetrators of child sexual abuse and called for reforms to improve the living conditions and rights of vulnerable children.
World Children’s Day, observed annually on November 20 since 1954 at the initiative of the United Nations, marks a global commitment to promoting the rights and well-being of children. On this occasion, the NHRC extended its best wishes to children and child rights activists, reaffirming its commitment to the protection and advancement of child rights in Nepal.