KATHMANDU, SEPTEMBER 14

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' said the government was committed to protect, promote and fulfil child rights in child-friendly environment.

In a message today on the occasion of National Children's Day, 2080, PM Dahal said the government was proactive in implementing legal, policy and institutional arrangements of the constitution, law and policy on child rights.

It was the state responsibility to arrange alternative care and family support to the children requiring special protection through local level, he said, emphasizing the need to increase public investment for fulfilling children's rights and development.

On the occasion, Prime Minister Dahal has appealed to the federal, provincial and local level governments to spur investment for children rights protection and promotion.

The Prime Minister further said it was the shared responsibility of families, societies and entire country to check violence against children, including sexual harassment and child trafficking.

"For this, all three tiers of governments, non-government institutional child protection mechanisms, National Child Rights Council, provincial child rights committees and local child rights committees should be made active by equipping them with resources and means", the PM added.

Calling for national and international stakeholders for coordinated efforts for children's overall development, he urged all sectors to effectively work in this sector.

PM Dahal wished for the happy, healthy, prosperous life and child-friendly livelihood of all children on the occasion of the National Children's Day.

The 59th National Children's Day is being marked across the country with the theme 'Investing in our future means investing in our children'.