Bhadra 27 (September 13), Kathmandu.
The government has urged all concerned parties to celebrate National Children’s Day, prioritizing the rescue, protection, and reunification with families of children who have lost guardians, are missing, injured, or at risk due to devastating floods.
National Children’s Day 2083 (BS) is being celebrated this Bhadra 29 (September 15) with the slogan ‘Protection of Childhood: Security of the Future’. However, following the devastating flood that came through Bhotekoshi and Trishuli rivers on Bhadra 10 (August 27), causing extensive loss of life and property in districts like Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading, the government has urged to celebrate this year’s Children’s Day by linking it with the protection of children affected by the disaster.
The government has stated that state mechanisms are mobilized to provide services including rescue, relief, protection, temporary shelter, and psychosocial counseling for children who have lost parents, guardians, or are missing due to the floods, as well as those who are themselves injured or missing.
During times of disaster, there is a high possibility of children getting lost, separated from their families, subjected to violence and exploitation, falling victim to trafficking, and being deprived of basic services and protection; hence, the government urges special sensitivity in their safety and protection.
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On the occasion of National Children’s Day, the government has requested concerned bodies, schools, organizations, and civil society to prioritize child-friendly rescue, relief, protection, temporary shelter, family tracing, and reunification for affected children, rather than focusing on formal programs.
Keeping the best interests of children at the center, it has also been urged to conduct necessary protection programs in disaster-affected areas. Furthermore, the government has stated that all parties must be responsible and accountable in creating a child-friendly environment, as the respect, protection, preservation, promotion, fulfillment, and assurance of child rights are the common responsibility of natural parents, family members, guardians, and the state.
With the core message ‘Protection of Childhood: Security of the Future’, the government has called for this year’s National Children’s Day to be advanced as a campaign to ensure the safety, protection, and future of children affected by disasters.
For More: National Childrens Day Protection
