Stakeholder Consultation Held in Kathmandu on Amendment of Child-Related Laws

Kathmandu, April 12, 2026 — A stakeholder interaction and consultation program on the amendment of the Children Act, 2018 and Regulations, 2021 was successfully held in Kathmandu on April 12, 2026 (Chaitra 29, 2082 BS). The event was organized by the Children as Zones of Peace National Campaign (CZOP).

The program brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives from 12 national-level networks, 50 civil society organizations working in the field of child rights, children and adolescents, representatives from sexual and gender minority communities, persons with disabilities, private sector representatives, government officials, educational institutions, former child club members, youth groups, and legal experts.

Senior officials from the Ministry of Women, Children and Senior Citizens, including Joint Secretary Mr. Chakra Bahadur Budha and Under Secretary Mr. Durga Prasad Chalise, were also present at the event.

During the interaction, participants highlighted several key areas that require amendment and clarification in the existing legal framework. These included:

• Clear definition of child marriage
• Inclusion of provisions addressing digital violence
• Access to psychosocial counseling services
• Recognition and protection of sexual and gender minorities, including intersex children
• Alignment of child labor provisions with the Children Act
• Establishment of a dedicated commission or a high-level mechanism for children, or strengthening the National Child Rights Council with adequate resources

Participants also emphasized the need to recognize children as a national priority and to establish schools and communities as Zones of Peace for children.

Representatives from the Ministry informed attendees that the process to amend the Act and Regulations is currently underway and encouraged stakeholders to submit their suggestions to the Ministry.

The program was attended by 75 participants and was chaired by Mr. Tilottam Paudel. The session was facilitated by General Secretary Mr. Raju Ghimire.