National strategy to end child marriage in the offing

Kathmandu, Nov 16: The Ministry of Women, Children and Senior Citizens is all set to bring a 'national strategy to end child marriage, 2081'.

The strategy is aimed at reducing and ending one of social ills- child marriage- prevalent in many districts in the country.

Minister for Women, Children and Senior Citizens, Nawal Kishor Shah Sudi, informed that the formation of the national strategy had reached a final stage. The child marriage has taken toll especially on girls. It has resulted into unsustainable conjugal life, premature birth, gender and sexual violence, child labour, and human trafficking.

The strategy would help reduce these social problems and ensure a dignified life to the girls. Lack of education, poverty and superstitions have caused early marriages in the rural areas. "The strategy will help end such bad practice," Minister Sudi argued.

It is the inherent right of a person to have his/her decision on marriage and reproduction. The law has the provision that marriage below 20 year is illegal in Nepal.

The constitution, National Children Policy, 2080; Criminal Code, 2074; Children Act, 2075; Children Regulation, 2078; and others are in the implementation to curb child marriage and women's rights.

Similarly, Nepal has committed to various international instruments on children and women rights.

Out of the total population in Nepal, the number of people below 18 year comprises 33.84 percent. (RSS)