The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has expressed grave concern over the growing tendencies of using children by adults in demonstrations and rallies.

UNICEF, Representative to Nepal, Dr Suomi Sakai (File Photo)

UNICEF, Representative to Nepal, Dr Suomi Sakai (File Photo)
Issuing a press statement on Friday the UNICEF, Representative to Nepal, Dr Suomi Sakai said, “We are worried about their safety, we are worried that they are missing school, and we are not at all sure that they have the consent of their parents or guardians.”

She further said, “While children do have the right to freedom of expression under the Convention on the Rights of the Child, their parents and guardians also have the right and responsibility to ensure that children are exercising their rights in an age-appropriate manner.”

“Organisers of any demonstration or public gathering have a responsibility to ensure that any children participating do have the consent of their parents,” Sakai added.

Her statement came at a time, Maoists affiliated student organisations has been using children in its various programmes including demonstrations and rallies in protest against the government.

She urged the organisers of rallies not to put children into situations that could put them at physical risk or offer them enticements such as food or money in order to participate.

Similarly, issuing a press statement on Friday, David Johnson, Officer-in-Charge of the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Nepal said the presence of children and young people in any public gathering was also a factor that needed to be considered by police and other security forces with a mandate to ensure public order.

“Children have the right to participate in peaceful demonstrations. But they are especially vulnerable and their rights must be protected,” he said, adding, “Organisers must make sure that children participating are doing so voluntarily. Police should pay special attention to the presence of children in demonstrations, and ensure that any response involving children is appropriate.”