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Nepal: Children write their constitution |
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Urgent issues
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Participants compare notes on child rights to come up with the best messages for government.
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Children in Nepal have made recommendations to their government on policy concerning their rights.
A group of 63 child representatives met for two days in mid-December to outline a 12-point agenda to be addressed by the State for the Welfare of Children. The children were selected from children's clubs across 48 districts of Nepal to represent the interests of children and promote their participation in decisions.
A consortium of organizations working for children's rights and welfare organized the meeting, including World Vision International Nepal (WVIN), Plan Nepal, Save the Children Nepal Alliance, Action Aid Nepal, UNICEF and National Human Rights Commission.
Deepesh Paul Thakur, Advocacy and Public Policy Officer WVIN, explained at the meeting that by practicing their participatory rights, children achieve a platform to put into practice many other rights to which they are entitled.
"Children are considered to be second citizens in Nepal," he said. "Government has ratified many conventions where rights are assured for children, but these are limited to documents only. The reality is that children do not get opportunities to practice their rights."
The children began by discussing their issues and demands in their individual child clubs in each district. Those issues were then taken to the Village Development Committee level. Selected participants took part in discussions with these committees to filter which issues to present at a national level.
During the meeting, child participants advised representatives of the consortium NGOs and Nepal's eight political parties. All representatives then signed on the 12-point agenda to express commitment to ensuring children's rights.
At the programme conclusion, the children visited parliament with their agenda, delivering it in person to Speaker of the House Subash Nemwang.
Accepting their submission, Speaker Nemwang said he appreciated the efforts of the children and NGOs. "I will try my best and put in my every possible effort to integrate/address these matters onto the process of making a new constitution," he said.
Ishwor Khatri, 17, chairman of Srijanshil Child Club in World Vision's Kailali sponsorship programme, said "I feel very happy and privileged to represent my district here. This is a very good way of children being heard. I just pray that I am able to present my thoughts and feelings in a correct manner.
"Children representing various International Non-Government Organizations (INGO) may be here, but I feel we all are rowing the same boat. To fulfil his needs, a child has to reach out to the society. Our needs has to reach the ears of the leaders who rule our country."
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