A Prosperous Nepal Is Impossible Without a Safe Present for Children

Honorable Prime Minister,

My name is Manasing Waiba. I come from Bakaiya-6, Jyamire in Makwanpur district, which is still considered a very remote area. As a child, I was a victim of labor exploitation, but I was rescued.

My family struggled even to have two meals a day. My parents are elderly, my sisters are married, and as the only son, I had to take on family responsibilities. A sleeping mat contractor saw my situation and tempted me with the promise of earning a lot. Despite my desire to study, I came to Kathmandu to weave mats.

I was just 11 years old during the winter season, wearing only a thin shirt and pants. I slept on the mat threads and worked there. Yet, I received neither payment nor any benefits. After enduring such exploitation, I left and started washing dishes at a hotel. However, the workers there, often alcoholics, would beat me at night.

The contractors were harsh, but their relatives, although verbally abusive, did not physically harm me. After suffering for a long time, I mustered the courage to approach the police station and report my situation.

With help from Child Rescue Nepal, Nepal Police, and the Esther Benjamin Memorial Organization, I was rescued in 2015 AD (2072 BS).

The Esther Benjamin Memorial helped provide me shelter, education, and other facilities. I also explained my family’s problems, which resulted in some assistance for them.

I studied there for about three years. Later, I chose to continue my education in my village with the organization’s support. After completing grade 8 and following the COVID-19 pandemic, I returned to Kathmandu to continue my studies. With the same organization’s help, I have now passed grade 12 and am pursuing a bachelor’s degree.

Today, I stand as an aware citizen, yet thousands of children like me continue to face similar hardship. Why is the government unable to address the issues of these children?

The Constitution of Nepal guarantees children’s rights to education, health, protection, safeguards against exploitation, and a dignified life. Child labor is also prohibited by law. Nevertheless, many children are still engaged in labor in restaurants, motorcycle workshops, and factories and continue to be exploited.

According to the 2021 Nepal Child Labor Report, over 1.1 million children remain in child labor, many suffering challenges like mine.

I changed my life’s course relying on laws and regulations, but thousands of my brothers and sisters remain trapped in exploitation. It is essential to enforce laws effectively and provide relief to those affected. The government must take concrete steps to stop child labor and child exploitation in the future.

As a volunteer and trainee in child protection, I have been engaging with rescued children. There are complex issues with children in labor and trafficking and those without guardians not receiving birth registration or citizenship. This deprives them of higher education and citizenship rights.

My experience shows that a safe future is possible if the state implements effective policies and programs.

According to the Constitution and existing laws, zero tolerance towards child labor and its strict enforcement are necessary to ensure appropriate rescue, protection, and development of children.

Without a safe present for children, a prosperous future for Nepal cannot be achieved. I earnestly urge that this issue be placed on the national priority agenda, with solid, timely, and result-oriented initiatives taken seriously once again.