The Urgent Need to Invest in Child Rights in Nepal

In a nation where children are considered the backbone of the country, Nepal's recent approach to child welfare is startling. With the onset of federalism, the government's attention towards child rights has dwindled significantly. Budget allocations have become optional, leading to a drop in investments. On the 59th National Children's Rights Day, the nation tries to refocus on the essence of "Investment in children: the beginning of a secure future."

Devolution of Power: A Double-Edged Sword

• Shift from centralized to local governance
• Increased negligence towards child welfare

Since the implementation of federalism, the responsibility for child rights has shifted to local levels. While this move might offer more localized solutions, it has, in fact, led to reduced investment. Bam Bahadur Baniyan, the Vice President of the National Child Rights Council, reveals that the three-tier government has been indifferent to child investments, violating a three-decade-long commitment to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child-1989.

Budget and Responsibility

• Earlier: At least 10% of central budget for children
• Now: No mandatory allocation from municipalities

When the budget was centralized, there was a mandate to allocate at least 10% of the budget for children’s welfare. The new system allows municipalities to overlook this essential segment, leading to a disastrous outcome.

Disturbing Statistics

• Child population has decreased from 34.91% to 27.83%.
• Newborn mortality rate still at 16 per thousand.
• Three percent of children remain out of school.

The reduction in child-focused investments is not merely numbers on paper. It has life-altering implications. Child mortality rates and education dropout percentages remain alarmingly high, spotlighting the inadequacy of current governmental actions.

Policy vs. Implementation

• Rich in legislation, poor in application
• Inadequate resource allocation and skilled manpower at the local level

Though there’s no shortage of policies aiming to protect children, the gap between legislation and actual implementation is enormous. Tarak Dhital, a child rights activist, claims that the problem lies in the practical application of laws and policies.

Municipality Shortcomings

• Only 319 out of 753 municipalities have procedures related to child rights.
• Child welfare officers are present in only 276 municipalities.

According to the Vice President of the National Child Rights Council, the local governments' apathy towards child rights is clearly visible. The limited number of municipalities taking active measures indicates a bleak future unless drastic actions are taken.

The Way Forward

• Increase mandatory budget allocation
• Revitalize governmental programs for child welfare
• Community involvement for effective monitoring

To tackle the ongoing child rights crisis, it's imperative to reignite the commitment towards investing in the future of the country - the children. Financial commitments should be mandatory and substantial, and there must be rigorous oversight to ensure effective implementation.

Conclusion

Investing in children is not a charity but an imperative. As Nepal observes its 59th National Children’s Rights Day, the focus must shift from mere slogans to tangible actions. The government, community, and each citizen need to reevaluate their roles in safeguarding the nation's future. After all, the country’s tomorrow lies in how well we treat our children today.

By prioritizing children's rights and ensuring substantial investments, we can set the stage for a more secure, prosperous future for Nepal.

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