Statement by Alice Akunga, UNICEF Representative to Nepal
On National Children's Day, UNICEF Calls on Nepal’s Interim Government to Put Child Rights at the Centre of National Priorities – 13 September
“No child should ever lose their life or be harmed while exercising their fundamental rights. The recent reported death of at least one child and the injuries of 19 other children during protests in Nepal highlight a failure to protect those rights. UNICEF extends its heartfelt condolences to the family and friends grieving this unimaginable loss, and express our solidarity with all children and communities affected. We wish a swift and full recovery to those who were injured.
“As Nepal marks National Children’s Day on 14 September, this tragedy must serve as a powerful reminder that such incidents must never be repeated."
"It underscores the urgent need to uphold and protect children's rights at all times - including during moments of civil unrest. Every child has the right to be safe, to express their views, and to participate in a peaceful assembly, as guaranteed by the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, to which Nepal is a State Party.
"UNICEF is closely monitoring the impact of recent events on children’s and adolescents’ health and well-being, including their mental health. We are working alongside partners to ensure that children and their families can continue accessing critical social and protection services without disruption, including continued learning in safe and supportive environments.
“With the appointment of a new interim government, this is a critical moment to put child rights at the forefront of national efforts. UNICEF remains committed to working alongside the government and all partners to ensure that every child in Nepal enjoys their rights without discrimination, and is supported to survive and thrive to their full potential.”
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UNICEF’s Regional Office for South Asia (ROSA) works with UNICEF Country Offices in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka to help to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfil their potential. For more information about UNICEF’s work for children in South Asia, visit www.unicef.org/rosa and follow UNICEF ROSA on Twitter and Facebook.
