February 1, 2022, Kathmandu: Advocacy Forum – Nepal (AF) organized a virtual meeting with the In-Charges/representatives of Child Correction Homes (CCHs) in Nepal to share its new initiative and map the implementing capacities and the need of CCHs regarding the installation of a communication system. AF’s Executive Director Om Prakash Sen Thakuri shared AF’s plan to install a communication corner in every Child Correction Home (8 in total) to allow the juveniles to communicate with their family members, lawyers, court as well as to conduct virtual classes to the children kept in the Child Correction Homes.
The CCHs’ In-charges/representatives from Province 1- Morang, Madhesh Province-Parsa, Bagmati Province-Hetauda and Bhaktapur, Gandaki Province-Pokhara, Lumbini Province-Rupandehi and Banke, Sudurpaschim Province-Doti, as well as a representative of Secretariat of Central Child Justice Committee and AF staffs participated in the meeting.
In the meeting, the CCHs’ In-charges/representatives welcomed this new initiative and said that this plan to install communication system in all CCHs will provide an opportunity to the children to communicate with their family members, lawyers, court and to participate in online classes and counseling sessions. They further said, “In many cases the juveniles do not have any legal representatives to consult or contact with a family member. So, this initiative will give them a chance to virtually participate in their case hearing, video communicate with their family members, consult with their lawyer and participate in legal, psychosocial counseling and online classes.”
The participants further requested AF to increase legal assistance activity.
The participants also shared the major problems faced by the CCHs like facilities overcrowded beyond their capacity, lack of water supply and pure drinking water, lack of health services, nutritious food, sports materials and education among others. The meeting concluded on a positive note, with AF and the CCHs agreeing they will work together to protect the rights of children.
AF has been working, and will continue to work, to promote and strengthen the juvenile justice system in Nepal.
