KATHMANDU: President Ram Chandra Poudel has extended his best wishes to all Nepali children and their parents on the occasion of National Children’s Day, observed annually on Bhadra 29 (September 14) — the day Nepal ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
This year’s Children’s Day is being marked with the theme: “Investment in Children: The Beginning of a Secure Future.” In his message, President Poudel emphasized the importance of prioritizing education, health, security, and overall development to ensure meaningful investment in children.
“The Constitution of Nepal guarantees children’s rights as fundamental rights,” the President stated. He stressed the need for an integrated and coordinated effort from the government, civil society, parents, schools, and other stakeholders to effectively implement national and international commitments, legal frameworks, and constitutional provisions related to children’s welfare.
While acknowledging the progress made, President Poudel also expressed concern that many children in Nepal are still deprived of their rights.
“We continue to hear reports of children facing various forms of deprivation and hardship. It is the responsibility of all stakeholders to prevent inhumane treatment, violence, and abuse against children,” he said.
To secure the future of children, the President called for access to creative, practical, free, and quality education; nutritious food; safe drinking water and sanitation; vaccinations; child-friendly health services; and supportive policies and legal frameworks.
He expressed hope that the observance of Children’s Day would inspire society and the state alike to create a safe, inclusive, and enabling environment for children — at home, in schools, and in communities — and to ensure equal opportunities for children from all backgrounds.
President Poudel concluded by urging everyone to contribute to the protection, development, and participation of children, reaffirming that the day should serve as a call to action for the holistic development of the nation’s youngest citizens.
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