Civil Society Organizations Urge Elevation of Child-Friendly Local Governance to National Pride Project

Kathmandu, July 26, 2024

On Friday, several civil society organizations (CSOs) dedicated to children’s welfare, particularly in Child-Friendly Local Governance (CFLG), submitted a memorandum to Federal Affairs and General Administration Minister Raj Kumar Gupta. The CSOs included the Social Protection Civil Society Network (SPCSN) represented by Narayan Pandey, Children as Zone of Peace (CZOP) represented by Tilottam Paudel, Jagriti Child and Youth Concern Nepal (JCYCN) represented by Rasila Dhamala, Child-Friendly Local Governance National Forum (NCFLG Forum) represented by Ashok Khanal, YAV Nepal represented by Sujan Adhikari, and Srijansil Samaj Nepal represented Safalata Bhandari. The memorandum demanded that the Child-Friendly Local Governance campaign be elevated to a national pride project.

The CSOs also urged that the country be made child-friendly by 2087. By submitting the memorandum, the forum aimed to draw Minister Gupta’s attention to the necessity of achieving this goal by the specified year. The CSOs emphasized that the Child-Friendly Local Governance Implementation Guidelines 2078 and the Child-Friendly Local Governance Declaration Procedure 2079 should be amended to develop a national strategy for child-friendly local governance. They highlighted the importance of declaring the Child-Friendly Local Governance campaign a national pride project. Additionally, they stressed the need to ensure that no child labor exists in any government office canteens or the homes of civil servants. In cases where child labor is found, they called for providing appropriate compensation, justice, and rehabilitation for the affected children.

Furthermore, they noted that all future structures and physical infrastructures built by the Nepal Government should be child-friendly and disability-friendly. The CSOs also stated that children should have institutional participation in the policy-making and planning processes at all local levels. After receiving the memorandum, Minister Gupta acknowledged the issues and expressed his intention to move forward with discussions.

SPCSN and NCFLG have been engaged in long-term advocacy for CFLG, working collaboratively to promote child-friendly policies and practices at the local level. Their ongoing efforts aim to ensure that children’s rights and needs are prioritized in governance and development initiatives across Nepal.