Global Assembly on Child Rights: Just World for Children

The World Social Forum 2024 was held in Kathmandu from 15-19 February 2024 with the main slogan that another world is possible. During WSF different discussions, training, debates and advocacy were held by experienced, veteran and academic people of the world in more than 450 sessions on various topics of nature, universe and human life. Under the week-long program of the World Social Forum, the Global Assembly on Child Rights was held in Kathmandu on February 18, 2024, organized and led by various organizations and networks. About 700 participants from the country and abroad participated directly in Global Assembly on Child Rights for Children’s Rights. The program was conducted by Ghanshyam BK from National Adolescents Boys Network and Prekshya Adhikari from National Child Advocates Council. During the Program, child activist Shirmaya Pun Magar said that children are subjected to sexual violence but they do not get justice because of the violence, girls are subjected to violence due to the practice of chaupadi. ​​She expressed the opinion that the local level should make necessary policies and rules in favor of children and teenagers. Similarly, children Changemaker Abhinay Chauhan shared his experience about online safety. He said that now children and teenagers are addicted to online. Although information technology has brought radical changes in the world, he said that the level of awareness should be increased while using information technology. Child rights activist Muskan Khatun said that they should keep raising their voices for their rights. Stating that the acid victims got justice on their own initiative, she said that strict laws should be introduced against other forms of violence.In the program, UN CRC Committee President Prof. Anne Skelton said that in such social gatherings, world challenges are debated and discussed, so solutions to problems and current challenges are sought. She said that since there is a terrible situation of children’s lives due to war in the current situation, everyone’s cooperation is necessary to move the world forward safely while protecting children’s rights. Speaking at the program, UNCRC Committee Vice President Rinchen Chopel said that he came to Nepal to be inspired by the changes and struggles brought about in his life. He shared that children should be protected from all sides, they have to enjoy their rights fullest. Likewise, from DKA Austria’s Ingrid Pintrecht said that it is necessary to establish a just world for children. She said that the deteriorating environment in the world and the impact of climate change on the lives of children and youth worldwide should be addressed. “It is necessary to work on the issue of backward and indigenous children, who are more affected by the deteriorating environment and the effects of climate change,” she said. Child rights activists Tarak Dhitalal, Gauri Pradhan, Dr. Kundan Aryal, Santosh Maharjan and others emphasized on the need to do effective work on the rights of children and adolescents. During the program Children shows different thematic wise dance, drama.