Child rights governance and child protection
Child Rights Governance and Child Protection
Child Rights Governance (CRG) refers to the framework, processes, and mechanisms within a state and society that are designed to ensure children’s rights are respected, protected, and fulfilled. It involves legal frameworks, policies, budgets, and institutions that promote and monitor the realization of all rights enshrined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). Child Protection (CP) specifically focuses on preventing and responding to all forms of violence, exploitation, abuse, and neglect against children. It encompasses actions to safeguard children from harm, provide support for victims, and ensure their best interests are paramount in all decisions.
Globally, the UNCRC serves as the foundational treaty for child rights, obligating signatory states to uphold children’s civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) also include targets directly related to child protection (e.g., SDG 16.2 on ending abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against children). In Nepal, the Constitution of Nepal explicitly guarantees several child rights, and the Children’s Act, 2018 (2075 BS) provides a comprehensive legal framework for the protection and promotion of child rights, aligning with international standards. Despite these advancements, challenges persist, including child marriage, child labor, sexual abuse, trafficking, and limited access to quality social services, especially in remote areas and for marginalized children. The federal structure presents both opportunities and challenges for effective implementation and decentralized child protection systems.
SIAN in Nepal play a critical role in strengthening Child Rights Governance and Child Protection by engaging in advocacy to influence policy development and implementation, ensuring child-friendly budgeting, and holding duty-bearers accountable to their child rights obligations. They are instrumental in building the capacity of local governments, communities, and child protection actors (police, judicial, social workers) to prevent and respond to violence against children. Moreover, SIAN conduct awareness campaigns on child rights and protection issues, and empower children to participate in decisions affecting their lives.
