KATHMANDU: As many as 36 children representing seven provinces as per the new Constitution demanded that both the staCte and the protesting parties stop using and abusing children in political programmes.

Expressing their concerns over some recent incidents in the Madhes region including human chain formation using school students and injury and death of some children in police-protester clash, the National Children's Assembly concluded on Saturday said both sides should stop involving children in political protests.

Meanwhile, the Assembly concluded in Bhaktapur issued a six-point declaration demanding that their rights be secured.

Commending the inclusion of child participation as a fundamental right in the new Constitution, it demanded that the state must immediately introduce child-friendly laws for implementation of the constitutional provision.

The Assembly also urged the government to immediately ensure basic rights of children in earthquake hit-areas and strong action against those inflicting corporal punishment on children.

The function was organised by the Consortium of Organisations Working for Child Participation in coordination with the National Child Club Network. Save the Children had provided financial assistance for the event.

According to Consortium President Yubaraj Ghimire, the Assembly was organised to raise voices of children in the current political situation after promulgation of the new Constitution.