KATHMANDU: Different awareness programmes have been organised to mark the fifth International Day of the Girl Child since October 21 across the country.

Programmes were organised to raise awareness on child rights, advocate for the implementation of laws that prohibit and prevent child, early and forced marriages.

The Ministry of Women Children and Social Welfare annually organises various awareness programmes across the country on the occasion, said Under-Secretary at the Ministry Kiran Rupakheti.

He shared that the Day is marked on October 11 across the globe every year, but Nepal marked it on October 21 this year due to the Dashain festival.

The statistics show that Nepal stands third in South Asian countries in terms of prevalence of child marriage. As per the Nepal's legal provisions, persons reaching 20 years are considered marriageable.

As per the Nepal's legal provisions, only the persons reaching 20 years are considered marriageable.

But still, 29 per cent marriages are recorded as the early and enforced marriages. Although Nepal adopted the National Strategic Plan last year has aimed at eradicating early marriage by 2030, its

Although Nepal adopted the National Strategic Plan last year aiming at eradicating early marriage by 2030, its implementation was yet to begin.