Experts Call for Stronger Action on Child Domestic Labour in Kathmandu

KATHMANDU — Stakeholders and experts are calling for the urgent enforcement of existing laws to combat child domestic labour, following the release of a new report titled "Life as Child Domestic Workers in Kathmandu." At a programme organised on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, in Bhaktapur, attendees highlighted that while many laws and policies are in place, they are not being effectively implemented.

The report, released by the organisation Children-Women in Social Service and Human Rights, sparked a discussion among representatives from the National Planning Commission, the Ministry of Education, and various child rights groups. The focus was on the "hidden realities" that push children into domestic work and the need for new actions to protect them from exploitation.

Speaking at the event, Shanti Adhikari, the organisation's founder, stated that local governments must be more proactive in ending child domestic labour to ensure their communities are truly "child-friendly." This sentiment was echoed by Shivanandan Paudel of the National Planning Commission, who stressed that local authorities need to be more efficient and robust in controlling the issue, which is officially banned by law. Paudel added that focusing on education and creating more employment opportunities for families are key to preventing children from entering domestic work.

Indradevi Dhakal, a Member Secretary of the National Child Rights Council, noted that various initiatives are already underway, but more dedicated effort is needed at the local level. The discussion also included the international definition of child domestic labour as outlined by the UN's International Labour Organization (ILO), which involves children working in a home for an employer, with or without a wage.

The programme concluded with a strong consensus that collaboration between all levels of government, civil society, and communities is essential to move from policy to practice. The goal is to ensure every child has the right to an education and a safe childhood, free from exploitation. 

(Source: RSS reporting)