Child Nepal (CN) is dedicated to ensuring that every child in Nepal enjoys their fundamental rights as enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and the Constitution of Nepal 2015. We firmly believe that the government holds a paramount responsibility to respect, protect, and fulfill children’s rights through effective policies and legislative frameworks.
Government Responsibilities and Commitments
The Government of Nepal, by ratifying the UNCRC, committed itself to undertake all necessary measures to uphold children’s rights. This includes reviewing existing laws and policies related to children, assessing social services, legal frameworks, healthcare, and educational systems to ensure they align with international standards. Adequate funding allocation for these services is also crucial to effectively implement children’s rights.
To fulfill its obligation under the UNCRC, Nepal is required to amend existing laws and enact new ones that cater to the evolving needs and rights of children. It is imperative that these laws are effectively implemented across all levels: federal, provincial, and local. This ensures that children have access to their rights without discrimination and in accordance with their best interests.
CN’s Role in Advocacy and Policy Formulation
Child Nepal plays a pivotal role in advocating for the formulation, amendment, and implementation of policies, acts, regulations, and directives that directly impact children’s rights. Our advocacy efforts are aimed at influencing decision-makers at all levels of government to prioritize children’s issues and translate policy commitments into concrete actions.
Advocacy Strategies
Fact Sheet Development: CN compiles comprehensive fact sheets detailing existing laws, policies, and international commitments related to children’s rights. These fact sheets serve as essential tools for mainstreaming child rights in policy discussions and local governance.
Partnerships and Collaborations: CN collaborates closely with local governance bodies, networks, and coalitions working on child rights advocacy. These partnerships enhance our advocacy efforts and amplify our impact across different regions of Nepal.
Dissemination and Awareness: CN actively disseminates fact sheets and information on child rights through various channels including community workshops, civic education programs, and national campaigns. Our efforts aim to raise awareness among stakeholders, communities, and the general public about children’s rights and the importance of their protection.
Media and Communication: Through platforms such as Bal Adhikar Bimarsha (TV Talk Show), publications, and social media campaigns, CN engages with the public and policymakers to advocate for child-friendly policies and legislative reforms. These initiatives highlight pressing issues affecting children and propose solutions for their resolution.
Bal Bimarsha: A Platform for Advocacy
Bal Bimarsha, CN’s flagship TV talk show, serves as a crucial platform for discussing child rights issues, policy gaps, and challenges faced in implementation. It provides a forum for experts, policymakers, civil society representatives, and children themselves to voice concerns and propose recommendations for policy improvements. (Link: https://www.childnepal.org/tvtalkshow/)
Social Media and Digital Campaigns
In the digital age, CN harnesses the power of social media and online platforms to mobilize support, raise awareness, and advocate for policy changes that benefit children. Our campaigns leverage digital tools to reach a wider audience, engage with stakeholders, and drive meaningful conversations on child rights.
Follow us in Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/childnepalcn
Follow us in Linkedin: https://np.linkedin.com/company/child-nepal
Impact and Achievements
Through relentless advocacy efforts, Child Nepal has achieved significant milestones in advancing children’s rights in Nepal:
- Legislative Reforms: CN’s advocacy efforts have contributed to the amendment and enactment of laws and policies that strengthen child protection, education, healthcare, and social welfare systems.
- Advocacy on ratification of OP3CRC/OPIC: CN is actively advocating in the ratification of the UNCRC Optional Protocol on a Communications Procedure.
- Policy Influence: By engaging with policymakers and government officials, CN has influenced the prioritization of children’s issues in national agendas and development plans.
- Community Empowerment: CN’s initiatives have empowered local communities to advocate for children’s rights at the grassroots level, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs addressed.
- Awareness and Education: CN’s educational campaigns and civic education programs have enhanced public awareness about children’s rights, fostering a culture of respect and protection for children across Nepal.
Future Directions
Looking ahead, Child Nepal remains committed to advocating for robust constitutional arrangements, effective enactment of laws, comprehensive policy formulation, ratification of OP3CRC and institutional frameworks that prioritize children’s rights. CN advocacy efforts will continue to evolve with changing needs and challenges, leveraging innovative approaches to address systemic issues and ensure sustainable progress towards a child-friendly Nepal.
Get Involved
You can join Child Nepal in advocating for children’s rights by:
- Supporting our Campaigns: Follow us on social media, participate in our advocacy events, and spread awareness about children’s rights.
- Volunteering: Contribute your skills and expertise to support our advocacy initiatives and programs.
- Donating: Your donations enable us to expand our advocacy efforts and reach more children in need across Nepal.