NCE-Nepal calls for honouring children’s right to education

Kathmandu, November 10

National Campaign for Education-Nepal, an umbrella organisation of various non-government organisations working in education sector, today appealed to all concerned to respect children’s right to education in all kinds of environment as per the commitments made in various national and international forums.

A press statement issued here today by NCE-Nepal said Nepal’s Constitution 2015, Child Right Convention 1989, Schools as Zones of Peace directives and commitment made by various political parties have ensured students’ fundamental right to study in a peaceful and child- friendly environment but the political parties in Madhes have forced closure of schools for around 84 days violating children’s right to education.

“Thus we appeal to all concerned to create an atmosphere for resumption of classes in schools in Tarai districts in a safe and terror-free environment,” said Raj Kumar Gandharba, president, NCE-Nepal in the statement.

He said that education is the fundamental right of every human being so it should be made equally accessible to all children. He also said that access to education should be ensured even during conflict and disaster.

“Obstruction in education activities is likely to increase the number of students outside schools which will have negative impact for generations,” the statement said, adding, “Thus the children should not be made part of the conflict or protests. Rather opportunities should be created to allow children to study in a terror-free environment.”

The studies of thousands of children have been affected since last 84 days due to the protest staged by Madhes-based political parties.

According to the Education Regulations, the schools must run classes for at least 220 days.