Nepal
Action against child exploitation in Nepal
Online child sexual exploitation, trafficking
Nepal, a tourist destination, is one of the most economically vulnerable nations in South Asia with high political instability.
Children in Nepal are extremely vulnerable to child labour, and sexual exploitation arising out of prevalent unsafe migration, trafficking, child marriage and online abuse. Nepal is a disaster-prone country with frequent floods, earthquakes and landslides placing children at further risk.
We protect children and prevent child exploitation through lobby and advocacy, empowering children to fight for their rights and building the capacities of stakeholders involved.
-
Thangaperumal Ponpandi
Country Director NepalAmidst political turmoil, Nepal is putting their continuous and conscious efforts to realise the children’s rights. Nepal has made significant efforts such as developing national action plans to address the child protection challenges. Through our project in Nepal, we are closely working with the Government stakeholders to bring in progressive steps towards formulation of necessary laws and regulations in addressing the internet facilitated sexual abuse and exploitation of children.
Children in Nepal
About 47% of the population in Nepal is under the age of 19. Nepal is ranked 146th in the Human Development Index. Due to continued economic challenges, 21.8 per cent of children under 18 years of age are multidimensionally poor. This often makes them vulnerable to child exploitation.
Around 1.1 million children are engaged in child labour mostly in agriculture, domestic work and construction work. Nepal is also an infamous hub for trafficking where 1.5 million people are reported to be caught in the web of trafficking with children, mainly girls and ethnic minority communities, occupying a significant proportion. Unsafe migration, poverty, lack of education and gender discrimination are major contributing factors.
Exploitation is also rampant in online spaces. Nepal currently ranks 94th out of 194 countries on the Global Cyber Security Index with an exponential rise in cybercrime cases. Cases of online grooming by foreign tourists and live streaming of child sexual abuse material are major risks faced by children.
Nepal’s Ministry of Women, Children and Senior Citizens is the government body responsible for child protection. The National Child Policy sets guidelines, standards and principles for child protection in Nepal. However, there are no clear guidelines for the prevention of online child sexual exploitation of children.
How we work in Nepal
How we work in Nepal
In Nepal, work in the provinces of Gandaki and Bagmati, with a special focus on Kathmandu, the capital city.
We fight against online child sexual exploitation (OCSE) through lobby and advocacy. Our advocacy asks to focus on the inclusion of addressing online child sexual exploitation in the National Action Plan along with the same in educational curriculums.
We work closely with youth advocates to empower them to fight for the rights of children and influence policy decisions. We work to sensitise parents, teachers and community members on OCSE and actively partner with law enforcement agencies to spread awareness on the issue.
We build the capacities of governments and law enforcement authorities to strengthen their response towards addressing online child exploitation.
Youth empowerment
We work closely with youth advocates and give them platforms to raise their concerns and influence policy-making decisions.
Peer Support Networks
We sensitise youth advocates to engage with children through peer support network groups where children learn about OCSE and how to keep themselves safe.
Lobby and Advocacy
We actively lobby and advocate with the government, law enforcement authorities (Cyber Authorities), school management committees and the private sector to develop policies and enact mechanisms to ensure safer online spaces for children.
Capacity Building and Sensitisation
We build the capacity of youth, law enforcement agencies, government authorities, parents, teachers and community members in addressing OCSE through sensitisation and training programmes.
Our Projects in Nepal
In Nepal, we work in Gandaki and Bagmati provinces.
Our partners
Funding partners
Nationale Postcode Loterij
The Nationale Postcode Loterij is the biggest charity lottery in the Netherlands. It was founded in 1989 by Novamedia, a marketing agency that sets up and runs charity lotteries.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Netherlands
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (BZ) in the Netherlands is committed to a fair and sustainable world.
Ignite Philanthropy
A philanthropic fund that supports bold efforts to ensure every child lives a life free from violence.