Child Rights Learning Conference 2082 Concludes Successfully in Kathmandu

Kathmandu, August 19, 2025 — Children as Zones of Peace (CZOP) National Campaign successfully organized the Child Rights Learning Conference – 2082 on 18–19 August 2025 in Kathmandu. The two-day conference was chaired by CZOP Chairperson Meena Sharma and brought together 144 participants (79 males, 64 females, and 1 intersex individual), representing a diverse range of stakeholders including federal Members of Parliament, civil society organizations (CSOs), government officials, children, the Child Advisory Committee, child rights activists, CZOP members, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), the National Child Rights Council (NCRC), development partners, and various network organizations.

Keynote Speakers and Experts

The conference featured addresses and insights from several distinguished speakers:

• Hon. Harka Maya Bishwokarma, Member of Parliament
• Hon. Ishwori Gharti Magar, Member of Parliament
• Mr. Deepak Dhakal, Ministry of Women, Children and Senior Citizens (MoWCSC)
• Mr. Navaraj Sapkota, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)
• Mr. Dilliram Giri, Child Rights Expert
• Mr. Tarak Dhital, Child Rights Expert
• Ms. Chandrika Khatiwada, Child Rights Advocate
• Mr. Gauri Pradhan, Former Child Rights Commissioner

Representatives from the NGO Federation of Nepal, other CSOs, networks, and the Child Advisory Committee also played an active role in the discussions.

Thematic Sessions and Discussions

Facilitated by CZOP General Secretary Tilottam Paudel, the conference focused on enhancing knowledge-sharing and collaboration among child rights stakeholders. Four key thematic sessions were conducted:

1. Intersex Rights are Human Rights
   This session highlighted the need to protect the rights and dignity of intersex children, focusing on ending discrimination and harmful practices, and promoting inclusive legal recognition.
2. Online Safety and Independent Child Rights Monitoring Mechanism
   Participants discussed the growing digital risks facing children and stressed the importance of an independent, high-level monitoring body to ensure accountability and protection of children’s rights in all settings.
3. Children Are Nation’s Pride and Civic Space
   This session emphasized children’s right to participate in civic life and policy processes, and the need to safeguard democratic spaces where children’s voices can be heard and valued.
4. Networking Among CZOP Member Organizations
   The final session provided a platform for CZOP members to share good practices, experiences, and strategies for addressing current challenges in child rights work.

Purpose and Outcomes

The main objective of the conference was to foster learning, strengthen partnerships, and share best practices among organizations working for child rights across Nepal. The event served as a platform for open dialogue, collaboration, and collective reflection on advancing the national child rights agenda.

The Child Rights Learning Conference 2082 concluded with a renewed commitment from all participants to continue working together toward building a just, inclusive, and child-friendly society.