Children's Rights Advocates Urge Amendments to National Service Bill
Summary
Child rights advocates have urged amendments to the National Service Bill, saying school-level cadet training must remain non-military, voluntary, and child-friendly. They warned against arms training and mobilizing children under 18 for war, internal security, or law enforcement duties.
Key Points
- SJZP says the proposed National Service Corps program is positive only if it remains non-military and focused on discipline, leadership, volunteerism, and disaster management.
- The group opposes military-style training and arms practice for children under 18, citing Nepal’s constitution, the Children’s Act, and international child-rights commitments.
- It has asked the government and Federal Parliament to ensure children are not mobilized for war, armed conflict, internal security, or law-enforcement roles.
- SJZP wants the bill amended after a child-rights impact assessment and consultation with children and other stakeholders.
