ILAM, Oct 17: Hundreds of children in remote villages of Ilam district are deprived of child rights although the government claims to be working to ensure child rights in each village.
The government has been enforcing legal provision at local level to ensure that child rights are preserved. However, blatant violation of child rights is ongoing in the form of child labor, use of children for election promotion by political parties, and deprivation of education among others.
Child rights still a far cry in Ilam
The constitution has ensured certain rights of children including birth certificate, access to education and health from family and state, nutritious food, sports and entertainment activities, proper care and overall personal development among others. The constitution also prohibits child marriage, molestation, physical and mental torture among others.
However, many children in the district are suffering as the state has failed to ensure them their rights.
Data maintained by high court of Ilam and district court show that child rape top the list not only in Ilam, but in Mechi Zone as a whole. This shows that children are still vulnerable and unsafe.
Children are also used as laborers at hotels, public vehicles and for household works. Not only this, children are also given physical and mental tortures at schools, according to stakeholders.
“Declaring the district as 'child friendly' wouldn't count much if the child rights are not ensured,” said Prakash Adhikari, director of Human Rights Network and Peace Action Group (PAG) which has been working in the field of child rights. “It is important to raise awareness regarding child rights and continuously monitor such activities.”
