Nepal Law Committee Directs Government to Ensure Minimum Human Rights of Children

The Law, Justice and Human Rights Committee under the House of Representatives has discussed the report prepared by the sub-committee on the human rights situation of children in juvenile correction homes across the country.

During the discussion, members of the committee suggested that the government should focus on improving the physical infrastructure of juvenile correction homes, managing necessary human resources, expanding psychosocial counseling services, and creating a child-friendly environment.

Committee Directs Government to Implement Report

The committee has directed the government to implement the report prepared by the sub-committee during its study of juvenile correction homes and prisons, ensuring the minimum human rights of children, including their safety, education, health, sanitation, and rehabilitation.

The committee has also directed the government to take necessary steps to address the problems found in juvenile correction homes, the human rights situation of children, and the rehabilitation system.

Committee Chairperson Suggests Improvements

Committee Chairperson Samiksha Baskota suggested that the government should end the practice of keeping more children in correction homes than their capacity, and instead, provide necessary infrastructure, human resources, and services.

Baskota informed that the committee would finalize the report after incorporating the suggestions received and make the implementation process effective through necessary directives and recommendations.

Minister Expresses Commitment to Improve Correction Homes

Minister for Women, Children, and Social Welfare Sita Badi expressed her commitment to developing correction homes across the country as centers for improvement, education, and rehabilitation.

She stated that the government has given high priority to improving the quality of correction homes and informed that a new correction home under construction in Dhakal Tar, Tanahun, has reached its final stage, and budget has been allocated for establishing a new correction home in Karnali Province.

Currently, only four correction homes have schools, and the government plans to expand education to other correction homes and provide vocational and AI-related skill training to children.

Committee Concludes Government Should Ensure Best Interests of Children

The committee concluded that the government should ensure the best interests of children by effectively implementing the legal provisions for child rights protection and ensuring the well-being of children in correction homes.