Review Status of Child Participation Including Meeting with “Committee for Legation Management, National Assembly
18th March, 2025: Review Status of Child Participation Including Meeting with “Committee for Legation Management, National Assembly was held in Kathmandu. Children are significant participants in society’s future, yet their voices typically are ignored while legislating. Ensuring that they participate in government and decision-making is as much a matter of morality and law and of social necessity as it is ethical. In Nepal, efforts to involve children in decision-making processes have been seen through activities such as child clubs and meetings with legislative committees. But the decline of these sites has also been a source of concern about the diminishing opportunities for children to be heard. Organizations such as Consortium Nepal and government institutions such as the Committee for Legislation Management are attempting to address this issue by conducting research, organizing national workshops, and advocating for stronger policies that prioritize child participation. While legislation such as the Nepal Children Act of 2075 provides a legal framework for children’s rights, the trick is in implementing them. Child participation policies are oftentimes idealistic, failing to find realistic translation into practice. A key advancement is making enforcement of such legislation strong enough so that children are included in active involvement in decision-making concerning their lives. Apart from legal systems, there is a need for a cultural change, a change that identifies children not only as policy beneficiaries but also as stakeholders who have something valuable to say. By creating a climate where children feel free to contribute their thoughts, societies are able to design more inclusive policies that truly mirror their needs. The value of child participation extends beyond Nepal as a global reminder that the voices of young people need a place at the table in shaping the options that determine their future.