CZOP Submits Recommendations on Criminal Code Amendment from a Child Rights Perspective

Kathmandu, June 5, 2025 – Children as Zones of Peace National Campaign (CZOP), together with various civil society organizations, has submitted key recommendations to the Government of Nepal regarding the draft bill to amend the Muluki Aparadh Sanhita (Criminal Code), 2074. The submission was formally handed over to Mr. Udayaraj Sapkota, Secretary at the Ministry of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs.
The recommendations were developed from a child rights perspective and call for necessary safeguards to ensure that the amended law protects and promotes the rights and wellbeing of children across the country. A major focus of the submission is the strong appeal to retain the legal minimum age of marriage at 20 years.
Since the beginning of the discussions on this issue, CZOP has been actively advocating among stakeholders for the protection of this legal age threshold, highlighting its importance in preventing child marriage and safeguarding children’s health, education, and future.
We believe that aligning legal reforms with child protection principles is essential for building a safer and more equitable society for all children in Nepal.