Kathmandu, November 8

The Central Child Welfare Board under the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Welfare has appealed to all concerned to respect and promote child rights, especially at a time when the entire country is reeling under acute shortage of essentials as a result of ongoing Madhes agitation.

Issuing a press statement today, CCWB has urged all concerned not to use children in protest programmes. “The protest in Tarai and unofficial blockade by India has affected the protection and promotion of child rights,” the statement read, adding, “Children have been the victims of terror, violence and other kinds of sufferings in the circumstances created by the scarcity of petroleum products due to month long blockade, bandh and protests.”

“Schools in Tarai remain closed for long time due to the ongoing agitation. Similarly, private boarding schools across the country have also shut due to lack of petroleum products. Halting regular academic activities in schools will ultimately have a negative effect on the learning outcomes of children,” reads the statement. The schools in Tarai remani closed for three months due to agitation by Madhesh-based parties.

The CCWB has also expressed concern about the use of children in protest programmes taking place in various Tarai districts just after promulgation of the Constitution.