CWIN Press Release

Children must not be made victims of armed conflict

Since the breakdown of ceasefire from 27 August 2003, there is an increase in series of cases of children being victimized by the both conflicting parties in the course of ongoing-armed conflict. Violation of child rights has been a serious concern of all committed to the rights of the child. There has been numerous news regarding killings and disappearance of innocent children by the state security forces. Similarly, there also have been reports regarding 'abduction' of hundreds of students by the Maoists including death of children due to stray bombs left by them. What is more, there has been news of children being trained in Maoist camps. We can see through these incidents that the children are being exploited directly. Nepal government has signed and ratified various international treaties on human rights and the non-state party has been also expressing their commitment time and again towards human rights including the Geneva Convention.

As an active organization working for the rights of the child, we protest the violations of child rights by the security forces in cases such as the deaths of 15 -year-old Sunil Gurung from Jugedi, Chitwan, Rina Rasayeli from Kabhre and disappearance of 15-year-old Maina Sunuwar since her. We appeal for the proper investigation and bring the responsible to justice. We also request to provide appropriate compensation to the survivors. We urge them not to commit further atrocities against the rights of the child and to respect the fundamental human rights of all.

Likewise, we protest against the killing of 9-year-old Gayatri Niraula from Jhapa and 'abduction' of children including the incidents of students being abducted in groups by the Maoists. We appeal the non-state party to respect human rights and more importantly the rights of the children. The news of children being captured and trained as child militia has seriously drawn our attention. Such activities put children in further risk situation and cannot be considered in favor of children. Therefore, we appeal the rebels to exclude children under18- from such risk situations. In addition, the frequent general strikes and Nepal Bandhs especially closing down of education have directly affected the overall development of children. Therefore we urge to stop such activities.

If we recollect the figures from the post period of breakdown of ceasefire, there is one death of a child in a week due to the armed conflict. Reports say that during this period, 26 children have died, 64 children have been injured and around 950 children have been abducted and captured.

We appeal both the conflicting parties to respect children as zones of peace for children's protection and help in their development.

Tarak Dhital
Spokesperson
CWIN

24 February 2004