KATHMANDU, Sept 15: Stakeholders have called for stronger measures to protect children from armed conflict, violence, disasters and various forms of unrest, stressing the need for preventive measures and better preparedness.
According to a press release issued by Children as a Zone of Peace National Campaign (CZOP), a candlelight vigil was held at the Children’s Peace Park in Sinamangal on Monday to commemorate children and adolescents who died during armed conflicts, the Gen Z Movement, disasters and various other movements, on the occasion of the 62nd National Children’s Day.
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CZOP Chairperson Tilottam Poudel said all three levels of government should be more sensitive to child safety, as children are among the worst affected by conflict, violence and disasters. He stressed the need to invest in child protection and introduce programs to prevent risks before disasters occur.
Participants also urged the government to address the plight of children whose parents went missing in the Bhotekoshi flood, as well as missing children and parents waiting for their return. They warned that disasters could increase the risks of child marriage, child labor and trafficking.
They called for strengthening the child protection system, searching for missing children, rebuilding the Children’s Peace Park, providing psychosocial counseling in disaster-affected areas and ensuring children's education through alternative arrangements.
They also stressed effective coordination among the three levels of government, joint programs for children affected by disasters and other crises, and a high-level mechanism or National Child Rights Commission to address child rights issues.
Around 60 people participated in the event, according to the press release. A candlelight vigil is held at the Children’s Peace Park every year on Bhadra 29 to mark National Children’s Day.
