Submitted by crinadmin on
This report is part of CRIN's access to justice for children project, looking at the status of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) in national law, the status of children involved in legal proceedings, the legal means to challenge violations of children’s rights and the practical considerations involved in challenging violations.
Nepal ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) in 1990. The CRC takes precedence over national law and thus is directly enforceable in national courts, though the Supreme Court of Nepal does not always follow this rule. Cases related to violations of children's rights under the Children's Act may be initiated by any person on behalf of the child involved. The Children Welfare Committee of Nepal may also bring a case on behalf of the child. Although the General Code does not forbid a child from filing a complaint on his or her own, practice shows that the assistance of a parent or legal guardian is required. The government is required to provide legal counsel for juveniles accused of committing offences. Moreover in every court there is a free-of-charge lawyer for those who cannot afford to hire a lawyer.
