"There are alarming and confirmed reports of large numbers of children present in demonstrations and in some cases actively participating in the enforcement of the bandh," UNICEF and OHCHR said ina joint press statement.[break]
They urged all parties to respect the provisions of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, to which Nepal is a signatory, and to take all necessary measures to avoid exposing all boys and girls under the age of 18 to risk of harm. "People under eighteen must not be forced, coerced or bribed into participating in political activities.
Children should not carry weapons that can inflict bodily harm under any circumstances," the statement said.
"The forced closure of schools during bandhs is a violation of children´s rights to education. There are incidents of schools being occupied and of classes being disrupted and exams prevented from taking place," it said.
The UN bodies said it is unacceptable that children are being prevented from attending school and said that all schools should remain open during general strikes and the safety of children assured so that their education is not interrupted.
They said closure of schools at the time of enrolment is a setback for the children and a missed opportunity to achieve their right to education.
They called on all political parties to live up to their commitments and duties to protect the rights of children, including the right to education.
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