The National Coalition for Children as Zones of Peace (CZOP) has called on the Government of Nepal to keep schools free from any kind of presence of security forces immediately and abide by its commitments made in the past.
“We have received information that activities and presence of security forces is still there in eleven schools. In some of the schools, the students are still forced to enter into their school premise only after the harsh security checking and through the barbwires,” a press release issued by CZOP said Monday and waned of launching pressure programs if no concrete action is taken in time.
The statement further said, “’Children as Zones of Peace’ means protection of children from armed conflict and its long-term impacts. It means to avoid obstacles on normal development of children. It also means to prioritize children’s protection even in difficult situations and all the concerned parties to look forward for various means to protect children and to provide them opportunity to grow in peaceful environment.”
Reminding that the Government of Nepal, major political parties and the CPN (Maoist) have time and again made their commitment public regarding the Geneva Convention, Convention on Rights of Children and its optional protocols, the child rights coalition called on all the parties to practically implement their commitments.
“We would like to request the international community, United Nations, human rights and child rights organisations, other stakeholders, especially the media, for their support to the campaign to make schools as zones of peace and at the same time request for their pressurising actions,” the statement further said.
A CZOP report has revealed that security forces are still stationed in at least 11 schools in Khotang, Myagdi, Syangja, Tanahun, Bara, Kathmandu, Rukum, Banke and Sindhuli districts.
According to the report, activities and presence of security forces in schools has created negative impact on children. “Students are physically and psychologically affected, they are bound to left their education, they are devoid of entertainment and games and are get punishment and harassments from security forces while obstacles and trenches are still there even if security posts have been shifted from some schools,” the report said. Likewise, some schools are forced to sit to other places because of the presence of security forces in school buildings.
Formed in August 2003 with an aim to promote collective advocacy and coordinate and integrate the efforts of UN, international and national NGOs working for protection and promotion of rights of children affected from armed conflict, the CZOP has 36 organisations as its members.