November 19, 2025 Kathmandu

The participants emphasized the importance of the Digital safety to protect them from the digital
violence in one of the virtual programme. The statement was raised by the participants in the
virtual discussion programme on “Contemporary issues of children and Our Responsibilities”
was organized by the CZOP, in collaboration with the National Child Friendly Lsocal
Governance Forum, Social Protection Civil Society Nepal, Consortium Nepal, and Jagriti Child
and Youth Concern Nepal on the occasion of World Children’s Day with the international slogan
“My Day, My Rights”
Through the virtual platform, the participants also emphasized that the children are also been
disturbed and badly affected by their family disruption.
During the programme, Ms. Gita Dahal, Under Secretary of the National Human Rights
Commission, stated that the commission remains committed to the protection, promotion, and
monitoring of the child rights.
Likewise, Mr. Arjun Bhattarai, Chairperson of the NGO Federation of Nepal, mentioned that
child rights protection is a major agenda of civil society organizations. Therefore, he urged the
Nepal Government to remain sensitive to this issue and pay due attention to the safety of
children.
The program, chaired by Mr. Ashutosh Karki, included a welcome remark by Mr. Pradeep
Lamichhane, Chairperson of Consortium Nepal. Mr. Arjun Thapa from Save the Children said
that child rights are a shared concern of all, and that it is essential for all three tiers of

government, civil society organizations, and the private sector to work together for the protection
and promotion of children’s rights.
At the event, Mr. Tarak Dhital, former Executive Director of the Central Child Welfare Board
and former President of the Children as Zones of Peace National Campaign (CZOP), delivered a
presentation on the contemporary situation of children and our collective responsibilities. He
emphasized that civil society organizations (CSOs) are key stakeholders in the protection and
promotion of children’s rights. He also addressed issues related to child sensitivity and social
protection during his presentation.
Similarly, Mr. Tilottam Paudel, the president of CZOP and Jcycn stressed that children and
schools are the peace of zones and must not allow any form of violation of children’s rights
under any pretext. He also emphasized the need to increase the investment in children by
strengthening the child protection system and promoting governance approaches such as child-
friendly, nutrition-friendly, and gender-friendly systems.
He also highlighted the need to establish a high-level commission or mechanism for children and
to recognize children as a matter of national pride. He appealed to the government to prevent the
use of children during elections and to implement the various national and international
commitments made regarding child rights.
Mrs. Indradevi Dhakal, Member-Secretary of the National Child Rights Council, stated that
instead of discouragement, there is a need to foster hope. She remarked that current investment
in children is still insufficient, and stressed that alongside policies, programs, and budgets,
effective implementation is equally important. Therefore, all stakeholders share collective
responsibility.
Participants in the program expressed concerns regarding recent incidents of violence committed
under the pretext of “removing children’s eggs,” stating that such acts must be condemned. They
noted that recent events have affected children’s education and daily lives. They further
mentioned that digital risks have increased due to violent and misleading content, as well as risks
arising from jailbreak incidents taking advantage of the Gen-Z movement. Participants also drew
the government’s attention to issues such as disruptions in service delivery and the misuse of
social media.
Similarly, participants raised their voices on the need to focus on child-sensitive social
protection, increase child nutrition allowances, ensure adequate child budgeting, and establish a
high-level mechanism for children. They also highlighted the persistence of child marriage cases
in rural communities and pointed out that not all children are able to access free and compulsory
education, stressing that more work is needed in the Karnali region.
On the occasion, Mr. Shaligram Pandey, Mr. Leela Bhujel, Mr. Ramkrishna Roy, Mr. Pramil
Jayer, Mrs. Pinky Singh Rana, among others, shared concerns that children might be used in
political party campaigns, protests, and election-related activities and requested everyone to be
very sensitive and responsible for this issue. The program was concluded via Zoom with the
participation of 114 representatives from 50 districts.