Nepal

Nepal has made significant gain in promulgating rights for children including the landmark Children’s Act 2075 (2018) which banned physical and harmful punishment for children in all settings. Despite commendable policy advancements and increased investment in healthcare, social protection, and education, children in Nepal continue to face numerous challenges that hinder their ability to reach their full potential.

While the number of children enrolled in schools has reached a record high, alarming statistics reveal that third-grade students struggle to solve 56.5% of reading and 62.78% of math-related problems. The COVID-19 pandemic and other disasters have disrupted education, raising concerns about the safety of children within school premises. 

Tragically, 25 out of every 1,000 live births in Nepal result in the death of infants before their first birthday, highlighting an urgent need to prioritize children's health and nutrition.

Child protection remains an area of grave concern, as over 80% of children under the age of 14 experience psychological aggression or physical punishment. Shockingly, more than 1 million children between the ages of 5 and 17 are engaged in child labor.

Additionally, approximately 34% of children under the age of 17 in Nepal endure multidimensional poverty, further exacerbating their vulnerability. It is crucial to acknowledge that children and women in Nepal face a disproportionate risk of multiple shocks and disasters.

At Save the Children Nepal, we are dedicated to addressing these pressing issues head-on. Through our collective efforts, we strive to create a safer, more nurturing environment where children and women can thrive, free from the burdens of poverty, exploitation, and violence.