Nepal Celebrates 60th National Children's Day with a Call for Increased Investment in Children's Future
Kathmandu, Bhadra 29, 2081 BS — With the theme "Investing in Children: The Beginning of a Secure Future," Nepal is celebrating its 60th National Children’s Day across the country today. This day, observed annually on Bhadra 29, marks 34 years since Nepal ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
The celebration highlights the significance of prioritizing children's education, health, protection, and overall development, emphasizing the need for collective responsibility from parents, society, and the state. Addressing the event, officials reiterated that children are the foundation of the nation’s future, and every investment in their development is an investment in a prosperous Nepal.
“Children are like blank sheets of paper—what we imprint on them shapes their future,” said a government spokesperson, urging families, society, and the state to play active roles in nurturing children with positive values. "The collective duty of the government, the provinces, and local bodies is to ensure quality education, healthcare, and protection for every child."
Progress and Challenges
Nepal has made significant strides in safeguarding children's rights through legal frameworks like the Children’s Act, 2075 BS, which ensures their right to identity, education, and protection. Additionally, Nepal has shown commitment to international agreements like the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
However, challenges remain. While the government has increased investment in child protection, education, and healthcare, gaps in resources and services persist. Officials acknowledge the need for further investment, particularly for vulnerable children, including those affected by child labor, early marriage, gender discrimination, and violence.
The rise of modern problems, such as cyber risks and the growing influence of technology on children, has also led to new challenges in ensuring their physical and mental well-being.
Government Initiatives
Various government agencies, including the Ministry of Women, Children, and Senior Citizens, the National Child Rights Council, and Nepal Police, have been working to address these challenges. Services such as the 24-hour free helpline (104) and child helpline (1098) are in place to rescue and support children in need. Efforts are also underway to amend the Children’s Act, 2075 BS, to better address the issues in child reform homes and make them more child-friendly.
Additionally, the government has reiterated its commitment to expanding access to quality education and healthcare through increased budget allocations and coordination with provincial and local bodies.
Collective Responsibility
The theme of this year's National Children’s Day serves as a reminder of the shared responsibility to ensure that every child in Nepal grows up in a safe, nurturing environment. Officials have called on stakeholders across sectors to contribute to this mission, recognizing that investing in children is essential for the country's long-term prosperity.
The celebration, which includes various programs and awareness initiatives, aims to reinforce the importance of ensuring children's rights and welfare, not just as a legal obligation but as a moral responsibility.
As Nepal looks forward to building a prosperous future, investing in children remains a top priority, with hopes of creating a nation where every child has the opportunity to thrive.
Annual Day