Kathmandu: Stakeholders and experts have called for the implementation of existing laws to curb child domestic labour, emphasizing the proactive role of local government in fostering child-friendly governance. The discussion unfolded at a program organized by Children-Women in Social Service and Human Rights, coinciding with the release of a report titled “Life as Child Domestic Workers in Kathmandu.”
According to National News Agency Nepal, Shanti Adhikari, the founder chairperson of the organizing body, highlighted the gap between law formulation and implementation, underscoring the local government’s crucial role in eradicating child domestic labour. Indradevi Dhakal, Member Secretary of the National Child Rights Council, noted the efforts made by several local entities to address this issue through initiatives such as child-friendly local governance and the declaration of child-labour-free zones.
Shivanandan Paudel, Director of the National Planning Commission, stressed the need for local authorities to
be robust and efficient in controlling child labour, which is prohibited by law. He advocated for a focus on education and employment as preventive measures to deter children from entering this field.
The event shared key findings from the research “Life as Child Domestic Workers in Kathmandu.” The organization reported that 40 participants, including representatives from the National Planning Commission, National Child Rights Council, Ministry of Education, civil society organizations, child rights networks, schoolteachers, media, ILO, child rights experts, and others, attended the event.
“Discussions focused on the hidden realities of child domestic labour, the pathways that push children into domestic work, and the urgent need for policy and programmatic actions to protect children from exploitation,” according to Children-Women in Social Service and Human Rights.
According to a study carried out by the UN Agency ILO, domestic child labour is defined internationally as children working in an employer’s
house with or without a wage. These young workers are tasked with household chores such as washing dishes, cooking, cleaning, and caring for younger children.