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15 May, 2025
May 15, 2025 – Kathmandu
A coalition of civil society organizations (CSOs) and networks working against child marriage submitted a
formal Charter (Dhyanakarsan Patra) to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) regarding the
draft bill to amend the Muluki Criminal Code, 2074, prepared by the Ministry of Law, Justice and
Parliamentary Affairs. The delegation expressed deep concern that certain provisions in the proposed
amendment may implicitly support child marriage, posing a serious threat to the protection of children’s
rights in Nepal.
The Charter was formally handed over to Hon. Dr. Lily Thapa, Member of the NHRC. During the charter
submission program, Joint Secretary Mr. Nabraj Sapkota told that the NHRC is already noticed on the
issue and he informed that the Commission has already taken note of the issue and initiated an in-depth
study. Adding to the ongoing study on the issue Hon. Thapa informed that the findings, along with
recommendations to the government, are expected to come out between five to six months. She further
added that the role of CSOs are vital to intensify mass campaigns and advocacy efforts at all levels. She
affirmed NHRC’s alignment with the concerns raised by CSOs and expressed readiness to facilitate a
high-level consultation meeting. This meeting will engage key stakeholders including parliamentarians,
relevant ministries, civil society, and the media to deliberate on the implications of the draft
amendment.
The NHRC also committed to issuing a public statement to further highlight the issue and call for urgent
attention. This coordinated effort marks a critical step forward in safeguarding children’s rights and
upholding the integrity of Nepal’s legal framework against child marriage. The charter submission
program was represented by GNB-Nepal, CAED, WOREC, CZOP, National Network of Adolescences, CWIN
Nepal, Yuwalaya and YAV Nepal.