Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, January 2

The poor socio-economic condition, coupled with the present political unrest, has forced many children to leave their homes and migrate to the cities. In their quest for a better life, many of them land up in the streets of Kathmandu Valley where they have to face innumerable problems.

To highlight their problems, Concern for Children and Environment-Nepal (CONCERN-Nepal) conducted a nine-month research on child labourers working under difficult circumstances in Patan Sub-metropolitan City. Special focus was given on children working in restaurants, as domestics, porters, vehicle conductors and rag pickers.

"The research has revealed that majority of these children are school dropouts, although some are illiterate," said Bijay Sainju, executive chairperson of CONCERN-Nepal. "Many show interest in attending school but are unable to do so due to financial problems." Those working as vehicle conductors and rag pickers have faced severe family conflicts and have never experienced an environment with proper love, care, guidance or provision of basic needs. They face uncertainties and insecurity. They have no safe place to store their belongings or money. The children are forced to work in dangerous and unhealthy environments with no protection for their health or well-being. Continually exposed to dangerous chemicals in the garbage dumps, they often suffer from chronic diseases and infected wounds.

“Most of the kids are influenced by criminal activities like pick-pocketing, prostitution, drug trafficking and black marketing of cinema tickets," said Sainju.

In the case of domestic and restaurant child workers, the study says most of them face problems regarding salary as they do not receive remuneration on a monthly or regular basis. Many are paid only when they return home during festivals and are unable to determine whether the amount is appropriate or not.

"Although domestic workers should be paid on a monthly basis, the wages received are far too low in comparison to the load of work," added Sainju.

"The cheap labour is in high demand as they do not have a developed

negotiating power and are vulnerable to exploitation."

CONCERN-Nepal has estimated that more that 72,000 children are involved in restaurants. Child porters found in the Patan Sub-metropolitan City are self-employed who support their education themselves. "As they do not have access to proper shelter, they have to sleep in a common room regardless of the unhygienic conditions."

Furthermore, the research states that almost none of the children have been vaccinated against any type of disease and they have no knowledge of or access to medical treatment and are prone to frequent health problems. Approximately 200 children were directly contacted for the survey and the habits of 400 were observed by the researchers.