Child Nepal is deeply committed to safeguarding the rights and well-being of children across Nepal. CN’s Child Protection program addresses critical issues such as child labor, child trafficking, child abuse, and various forms of violations and discrimination that children face in Nepalese communities. CN advocates for and work towards creating a protective environment where every child can grow up safe, healthy, and empowered.

Issues Addressed

Child Labor

Child labor remains a persistent issue in many parts of Nepal, depriving children of their right to education, health, and a childhood free from exploitation. Child Nepal is actively involved in identifying and addressing instances of child labor through:

• Awareness and Prevention: CN educates communities about the negative impacts of child labor and promoting alternative livelihood options for families.
• Rescue and Rehabilitation: CN works with authorities to rescue children engaged in hazardous labor and providing them with rehabilitation and educational opportunities.
• Policy Advocacy: CN advocates for stronger laws and policies that prohibit child labor and promote the enforcement of existing legal frameworks. It is involved in collaborative advocacy being an active member of the National Child Protection Alliance (NCPA) (Link: https://ncpanepal.org.np/) 

Child Trafficking

Child trafficking is a grave violation of children’s rights, exposing them to exploitation, abuse, and severe trauma. Child Nepal combats child trafficking by:

• Prevention and Awareness: CN raises awareness among communities about the dangers of child trafficking and educating families on how to protect their children. Also, it carries out collaborative advocacy and awareness being an active member of the Alliance Against Trafficking of Women and Children in Nepal (AATWIN) (Link: https://www.aatwin.org.np/). It has also adopted Girls SAMVAD (Dialogue)approach to empower adolescent girls to prevent child trafficking and early marriage in the vulnerable communities of Nepal.
• Rescue and Reintegration: CN collaborates with law enforcement agencies to rescue trafficked children and supporting their reintegration into safe environments.
• Legal Support: CN provides legal aid and representation to trafficked children and their families to ensure justice and rehabilitation.

Child Abuse

Child abuse, whether physical, emotional, or sexual, has devastating consequences for children’s physical and mental well-being. Child Nepal addresses child abuse through:

• Counseling and Support Services: CN offers confidential counseling and support services to child victims of abuse and their families.
• Legal Advocacy: CN advocates for stricter penalties for perpetrators of child abuse and ensuring justice for victims through legal intervention.
• Training and Capacity Building: CN trains teachers, caregivers, and community members to recognize signs of abuse and respond effectively to protect children.

Discrimination and Violations

Children in Nepal often face discrimination based on factors such as gender, caste, ethnicity, disability, or socioeconomic status. Child Nepal works to eliminate discrimination and address other violations through:

• Inclusive Education: CN promotes inclusive education policies and practices that ensure all children have equal access to quality education.
• Community Engagement: CN engages with communities to challenge harmful practices and beliefs that perpetuate discrimination against children.
• Advocacy and Policy Reform: CN advocates for policies and laws that protect children from all forms of discrimination and ensure their equal rights and opportunities.

Access to Justice

Ensuring children’s access to justice is fundamental to Child Nepal’s Child Protection program. CN believes that every child has the right to legal protection, fair treatment, and access to remedies when their rights are violated. Our efforts include:

• Advocacy: CN advocates with Government of Nepal to ratify UNCRC OP3CRC to ensure children’s access to justice.
• Legal Aid Clinics: CN establishes legal aid clinics to provide free legal assistance and representation to children and families in need.
• Child-Friendly Justice Systems: CN advocates for child-friendly judicial processes that prioritize the best interests of the child and protect their rights during legal proceedings.
• Capacity Building: CN builds the capacity of legal professionals, law enforcement agencies, and child welfare officers to effectively handle cases involving children.

Collaborations and Partnerships

Child Nepal collaborates closely with government agencies, non-governmental organizations, international development partners, and communities to strengthen child protection mechanisms and ensure holistic support for children in need. These collaborations enable us to:

• Coordinate Responses: Coordinate rapid responses to emergencies and crises affecting children, such as natural disasters or humanitarian emergencies.
• Share Best Practices: Share best practices and lessons learned in child protection with stakeholders to improve intervention strategies and outcomes.
• Advocate Collectively: Advocate collectively for policy reforms and resource allocation that prioritize children’s rights and protection on national and international platforms.

Get Involved

You can contribute to Child Nepal’s Child Protection efforts in several meaningful ways:

• Donate: Your financial support helps CN expand its programs and reach more children in need of protection and support.
• Volunteer: Volunteer your time and skills to assist in our awareness campaigns, community outreach activities, or directly with children in our care.
• Advocate: Advocate for child rights and protection in your community, workplace, and social networks. Spread awareness about the issues and support policy reforms that benefit children.