National Dialogue on Child Rights Amid Nepal’s Post-LDC Transition

Kathmandu, As Nepal prepares to graduate from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category, concerns over child rights and advocacy have taken center stage. Consortium Nepal organized the “National Civil Society Dialogue on Prioritizing Children’s Issues in Nepal’s Post-LDC Strategy and SDG Localization” in capital city Kathmandu today.

The event, held alongside the 30th General Assembly and 11th National Convention of the NGO Federation of Nepal, brought together NGO leaders, policymakers, and child rights advocates. Discussions focused on sustaining child rights efforts in Nepal’s evolving economic and political landscape. Consortium Nepal President Santosh Maharjan stressed the need for child-led advocacy and policy implementation.

Presentations included insights from Aasutosh Karki (National Child Advocate Council) on Nepal’s Voluntary National Review (VNR) and Ilawati Karki (“Balika Dulahi Hoinan”) opposing a proposed reduction in the legal marriage age.

NGO Federation President Ram Subedi and Chief Guest Upper House Member Kamala Pant reflected on child rights progress and challenges. Other notable speakers included Indra Devi Dhakal (National Child Rights Council) and Koshi Province Deputy Speaker Shrejana Danuwar.

A panel of experts, including representatives from the Ministry of Women, Children & Social Welfare, the National Human Rights Commission, Save the Children, and child rights advocacy groups, highlighted achievements and challenges in safeguarding children’s rights. The program concluded with a collective call to keep child rights a national priority as Nepal transitions to a developing nation.