NEPAL : Report of the Secretary-General on children and armed conflict.

Français. 

SRSG Coomaraswamy.

13 April 2010.

Recommendations:

I welcome the signing by the Government of Nepal, UCPN-M and the United Nations in Nepal of the Action Plan on the discharge of disqualified Maoist army personnel verified as minors and related tasks, and I call upon the Government of Nepal and UCPN-M to cooperate closely to ensure the full implementation of the Action Plan. Furthermore, the Government of Nepal should be provided by the United Nations with all necessary assistance for the rehabilitation of the Maoist army personnel disqualified as minors.

UCPN-M should ensure that Maoist army personnel disqualified as minors have unhindered access to the rehabilitation packages offered by the Government and supported by the United Nations.

The United Nations should continue monitoring the compliance of UCPN-M with the Action Plan and requirements under Security Council resolutions 1612 (2005) and 1882 (2009), with particular attention to whether discharged minors are forced or otherwise coerced into association with groups which engage in political violence.

Furthermore, the Government of Nepal should operationalize the National Plan of Action for the Reintegration of Children Affected by Armed Conflict and ensure the allocation of adequate resources for its effective implementation.

Strikes and protests by various groups including YCL and ANNISU-R have continued across the country, in particular in the Tarai. This practice curtails freedom of movement and continues to restrict children’s right to education. Political parties and agitating groups are called upon to stop the closure and use of schools during bandhs.

All political parties and their affiliated youth wings, including related political and social groups, need to ensure that children are not exposed to or forced to participate in violent activities.

Armed groups should stop all violent activities including the use of improvised explosive devices and small arms and stop the recruitment and use of children. All armed groups should publicly commit themselves to ending violations of children’s rights, including the recruitment of persons under 18 years of age. Necessary support should be given to strengthen the monitoring and reporting of violations against children in the Tarai, identify responsible armed groups and provide appropriate protection.

Public security remains a matter of serious concern, especially in the Tarai and in some hill districts in the eastern region, where many armed groups continue to operate in a climate of impunity.

The Government of Nepal is urged to ensure that the draft bills on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Disappearances Commission are fully consistent with international standards and make special provision for children. The meaningful and safe participation of children in transitional justice mechanisms should be ensured.

The Government of Nepal should expedite the enactment of the Child Rights Protection and Promotion Bill to ensure the immediate criminalization of recruitment of children to armed groups and armed forces. (paragraphs 37 to 46)


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