Responsibility for Protecting Children at Risk to be Entrusted to Provincial and Local Governments
News Summary
Drafted by source. Editorially reviewed.
- The Ministry of Women, Children, Gender and Sexual Minorities, and Social Security has prepared a draft bill to amend the Child Act 2075 (2018).
- The bill proposes that criminal laws will not apply to offenses committed by juveniles after they turn 18 while in correctional homes.
- As per federalism principles, the responsibility for temporary protection services for children will be assigned to provincial governments and local levels, as outlined in the draft bill.
May 16, Kathmandu – Amendments are underway to the Child Act 2075. The Ministry of Women, Children, Gender and Sexual Minorities, and Social Security has drafted and submitted a bill proposing changes to the act.
The ministry stated that the existing law excludes application of general criminal law to offenses committed by children in correctional homes once they reach 18 years of age. This has reportedly led to a decline in morale among children in these facilities, prompting the need for amendments.
In line with international obligations, the proposed bill aims to strengthen the juvenile justice system by including provisions such as reduced punishments for offenses committed by children.
Observing the principles of federalism, the bill proposes that the responsibility for providing temporary protection services to children who require special protection or are at risk be delegated to provincial governments and local bodies.
The draft bill also addresses preventing human rights violations within correctional homes, as well as curbing incidents of property damage, arson, and escapes.
The ministry anticipates that once the proposed bill is enacted as law, the management and operation of correctional homes will become more effective.
