Tomorrow, what world for our children?

Irada Parajuli Gautam,

Member of the Group of experts of the Bice for Asia Irada Parajuli Gautam works with children for 20 years. According to her, no doubt: "youth are ready to take action and social change...". "The future of nations depends on how much we will invest in the sector of children"
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Bice: What are the characteristics of the region of the world in which you work, Nepal, from childhood? Irada Parajuli Gautam: The population of children below 18 years represents 47,5% of the total population. Poverty, the analphabtisation and unemployment are the main causes of violation of the rights of the child. Many children leave school because of the conflict that has continued in Nepal last decade, displacement of populations in the country, poverty, and begin to work from an early age to win what living in town... Many children have lost their parents due to the conflict. Some have even no birth certificate, others are orphans, sexually abused, victims of trafficking or violated. The forced displacement deprives also thousands of children to a normal socialization. At the same time, there is no organization qualified to provide child care services. Result: many are dying in remote areas. On average, every year, about 800 000 children born, 50,000 disappear before the age of 5. Currently, each day, 130 children die! Another significant characteristic in Nepal: early marriage of children. 34% are married before they reach age 15 and most of them are girls! Bodily punishment at home and at school, is still very common. Parents do not sufficiently lend attention to their children because they are busy with their work. Many young people therefore find themselves on the street and have developed bad habits engaging in drug addiction and alcoholism. Discrimination between boys and girls are both in the private than in public places.

In the specific case of girls, they deal with their smaller brothers and sisters at the expense of their own education. On 87.4% of children enrolled, 51% drop after the cycle of primary school. Only 42% of girls are brought against 65% of boys. Bice: That is what strikes you most on the ground, with children? I.P.G: This seems obvious but it is a fact: where there are organisations, children are better protected. In Nepal, many children are neglected, maltreated, and faced with violence, consequence of poverty and lack of awareness. It is therefore necessary to guarantee more resources and collaboration with the Government and the private sector, and highlight these really priority issues. I realize that means are very limited on questions of the participation of children and on the issue of violence to the younger in Nepal, especially in rural areas. Bice: Have you noted a trend for several years, compared to children? I.P.G: In terms of positive development, I would say that the formation of groups of children, their ability to invest in it, to make their voices heard in various forums and manage conflict situations we encourage all. School enrollment is increasing, health children go into improving, infant mortality and morbidity are declining. Attention to childhood and development programs have also been strengthened. There is a progressive increase of children's rights. Many displaced youth and children of armed conflict are reinstated in their family or their community. In the new political process underway in Nepal, systematically observed that the question of social integration had to hear the voices of marginalized children and children with disabilities. Reduces discrimination between boys and girls: more girls are registered in school, parents seem increasingly treat their prognitures fairly, more school scholarships are offered to groups of disadvantaged children and girls. From a negative perspective, children were very affected by the conflict in Nepal last 12 years. Poverty and hunger in have forced many to flee their homes to begin of the odd at

risk, e.g. public vehicles, drivers boys children to wash dishes in hotels and restaurants, domestic workers, etc. Bice: The Convention on the rights of the child she advances the situation of young people? I.P.G: Yes, thanks to the Convention, we have developed a national law for minors (national children Act). Many international agreements are ratified by the Government of Nepal, which certainly contributes to the implementation of the rights of the child. Bice: Can list us a few initiatives in favour of children and who have paid off? I.P.G: I think awareness programmes in schools and the development of action plans to address the issue of children. The involvement of children in awareness, the emergence of training activities and consultation of children as a fully-fledged community members are also advances of size. Also include the work in consultation with parents, children, and the authorities to reach a consensus which was used to put the issue of children's rights in the national agenda. The participation of children to regular programs as well as various celebrations days, such as "national day of children", "international day of children's rights", the "day against trafficking in children", the "16 days campaign against violence" seems to be bearer of hope. Space of expression accorded children always demonstrates their huge potentiality: through the street theatre, poetry, tests, singing, dance, their message passes very effectively. To welcome initiatives include programs on early childhood, wake who have gave confidence to new parents, or outreach on issues of sexual abuse, the exploitation of domestic violence and trafficking of children. I would add that psychosocial, legal and medical advice is developed. Bice: At what major problems are you experiencing field? I.P.G: They are many. There is no law on domestic violence: a conflict is resolved most of the time by the mediation of the community.

Although the law is clear on the sexual abuse of children, could not apply it easily because evidence is always required. There is a demand high school scholarships, but we are not all met, due to the limitation of our budget. Victims in rural villages cannot easily denounce abuse, due to the cost of transportation, the fear of stigma and additional expenditures for housing, food, and the legal service. No administrative scale village police service does exist, which complicates the procedure to make a complaint. Children who have lost parents face problems of safety and survival. These children are even more abused they have no safe place to live. Street children are also growing. Bice: What is emergency, according to you, with children? I.P.G: Donors for the residential establishment of children's money must be reoriented and relying on family and community-centred approach. In extreme cases, when the children are not parents, must consider alternative options, such as the family home. Resources should be allocated also in rural, urban slum, carpet mills, and the areas reserved for migrants who live in absolute poverty. Bice: In your experience, should what tracks explore priority that improves the situation of children? I.P.G: Urgently need to consider domestic violence and its impact on children. I think we also need to consider what legislation, systems and structures for children are far from the reality on the ground. Bice: What is that you sometimes restores hope and encourages you to continue you invest? I.P.G: The situation of children is better than before and Nepal appears to be towards peace and a sustainable stabilization. Hopefully fewer children affected by the conflict, so less than children affected by poverty, abuse, neglect, violence and hunger. The enthusiasm of the people, the courage and commitment to the people in the new process implemented in Nepal are positive indicators of improvement of the situation of children.

This interview was published in 2007.