Nation will become free of street children within this year: PM

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Sept. 15: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has expressed his commitment to making Nepal a street children-free nation within this fiscal year.

Speaking at a programme organised at the Prime Minister's residence in Baluwatar on Saturday, on the occasion of the 60th National Children's Day, Prime Minister Oli made it clear that the government is determined to change the situation where a large number of children are still homeless, parentless, and deprived of education and health opportunities.

Stressing the need to give meaning to this year’s theme, “Investment in Children: The Beginning of a 

Secure Future,” Prime Minister Oli said  that children should live in fr eedom, not under threat, control, or restrictions.

In the event, organized by Nepal Children’s Organisation, Prime Minister Oli stressed the importance of implementing the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and the constitutional rights of Nepal. 

He also said that homeless children should be cared for with proper guardianship. “Children should not grow up feeling unsafe from their early childhood,” said Prime Minister Oli. This government is alert about children's rights, he added.

“During my previous term as Prime Minister, I had vowed that no child would remain on the streets without parents. They should be able to enjoy their natural rights with a smile on their faces. The government will invest in the children, the future pillars of the nation, even if their economic condition is weak. Concrete steps must be taken to bring improvements for their welfare,” the Prime Minister said.

Participants at the programme included First Lady Radhika Shakya, Secretary-General of the National Child Rights Council Indira Devi Dhakal, and President of the Children’s Organisation Bidya Neupane.

At the event, prizes and certificates were distributed to the students who won various competitions held on the occasion of Children's Day.