KATHMANDU, Sept. 24: Stakeholders have called for stronger child-friendly local governance to protect children from heightened risks during disasters and other emergencies, stressing the need for greater investment and coordination at all levels of government.
The remarks were made at a discussion on “Child-Friendly Local Governance, Protection of Child Rights in Disasters and the Role of the Media,” organized by Jagriti Child and Youth Concern Nepal (JCYCN), the National Child-Friendly Local Governance (CFLG) Forum and World Vision International Nepal.
Presenting a paper at the event, child rights activist Tarak Dhital highlighted the importance and key indicators of child-friendly local governance and its role in protecting and promoting children’s rights.
Disaster and climate risks and sectoral development planning
JCYCN Chairperson Tilottam Paudel said 33 local governments have so far been declared child-friendly and stressed the need for investment by all three levels of government to make the initiative sustainable.
He said children’s issues should be treated as a shared responsibility rather than the responsibility of a single ministry or agency. He added that his organization, in coordination with local governments and partner organizations, has been providing psychosocial counseling, health assistance, awareness and relief support in Rasuwa, reaching more than 500 families.
Paudel warned that children affected by disasters could face increased risks of trafficking, child marriage, child labor, violence and abuse, as well as online safety threats. He called for the immediate resumption of schools in affected areas and psychosocial support for children, parents and local representatives.
National CFLG Forum Coordinator Ashok Khanal urged all three levels of government to ensure that public services and infrastructure are child-friendly and accessible, and that the best interests of children are considered in policy, planning and budgeting.
Participants also called for stronger coordination among government agencies, the private sector, civil society and development partners to protect children during disasters.
According to the Forum, 33 local governments and 150 wards have so far been declared child-friendly. Participants also called for updating the Child-Friendly Local Governance National Strategy, 2011, and incorporating issues such as nutrition, gender sensitivity, child marriage, child labor, social protection and online safety into the initiative.
Around 40 journalists participated in the discussion, which also highlighted the need for greater media attention to child protection, investment in children and disaster preparedness.
