The armed conflict between the State and the Maoists has had the greatest toll on the children of Nepal. Children were exploited by both groups as they were easy to target and abuse. Their abduction and murder, using them as spies and soldiers, arbitrarily arresting and detaining them, subjecting them to torture, rape and sexual abuse are examples of the human rights violations committed against children by both state and non-state actors. Strikingly, the situation has not improved after the ceasefire declarations in April 2006.

To put it simply, armed conflict in Nepal robbed a whole generation of children of their right to a childhood. Its perpetuation was spurred further by the lack of a comprehensive monitoring and reporting mechanism. Given the lack of information the extent of human rights abuses committed against children during the conflict has not and cannot be verified. Following the UN Security Resolution 1612 (June 2005) regarding the use of children in armed conflict, AF began monitoring and reporting on cases of human rights abuses against children. We prioritize the following grave violations of the rights of children:

		Recruitment of Children
		Abduction of Children
		Attacks Against Schools
		Rape and Sexual violance Against Children
		Killing / Maiming of Children
		Denial of Humanitarian Assistance

In addition to these six categories AF has been monitoring the illegal detention of children since 2001.

AF campaigns for the creation of a juvenile justice system in Nepal. In the absence of a juvenile justice system, children are routinely arrested and detained with adults. Children in detention centers go through the same process as adults and often claim to have been abused and tortured. AF has been lobbying and engaging with stakeholders by demanding legal reform to establish a working juvenile justice system in Nepal.

We document the illegal detention of children in 35 custody centers across 16 districts of Nepal. We also provide legal aid to children and makes interventions to release them from illegal detention. We will continue to pressure legislators and major actors to guarantee the rights of children in Nepal.