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Country information 
Nepal, the country of Buddha, is among the poorest and least developed countries in the world with almost one-third of its population living below the poverty line.
Nepal has been grappling with conflict for more than eight years. More than 10,000 people -mostly young—have been killed and many more have been injured.
Over a million Nepalese children are working full time in Nepal. The organisation ASAAMAN is helping in the rebuilding of a good functioning education system. ASAAMAN is one of the delegates of the Africa Tour.
Check the reporters’weblog!
Africa Tour delegation
During the Stop Child Labour tour in Africa a delegation of three representatives from Southern partner organizations will visit the concerned countries to engage in field visits, exchange meetings and workshops with local NGOs and trade unions, government bodies and international organizations involved in children's rights programmes. The tour delegation will consist of representatives from MVF (India), Asaaman (Nepal) and SNE (Morocco).
Background
Asaaman Nepal is a non-governmental organization committed to eradicating child labour and ensuring that every child attends school. In the working areas of Asaaman Nepal, poverty and illiteracy is high and traditional beliefs hindering social and gender inclusion are deeply rooted. The target area has some of the lowest social and education indicators in the country. The condition of women and dalits is dismal, and many are bearing the added brunt of the on-going conflict in Nepal.
Non-negotiable principles
Asaaman strongly believes in the MVF non-negotiable principles. These principles were adopted after meetings between Asaaman staff and MVF 10 years ago. The principles were discussed thoroughly among Asaaman staff regarding their meaning and practicality before they were accepted and implemented. It took three years before the staff had consensus to adopt them.
Working on both sides of the issue: an inclusive approach
Asaaman works with communities, school authorities and government officials. It is Asaaman’s belief that unless issues from different perspectives are addressed, the enrolment and retention of children can not be addressed adequately. Asaaman bring and enrol children in schools by mobilizing community members and parents and raising awareness of the importance of education for children. However, if the school environment is not appealing to children, they often drop out, which makes it even more difficult to bring them back again. Asaaman develops and implements—in collaboration with local communities—innovative ways to encourage parents to send their children to schools. Asaaman carries out unique awareness programs, such as the Buffalo and Sickle Rally (rallies organized in opposition to the practice of having children herd buffaloes or engage in agricultural work), which are successful in bringing children (back) into schools.
On the other hand, the quality of education also needs to be improved in order to retain students in school. With that objective in mind, Asaaman supports government offices in providing quality education for all and raises awareness among parents to demand quality teaching and educational facilities. In this way, Asaaman hopes to infuse the principle of accountability for all stakeholders. Additionally, Asaaman has provided assistance in the construction of school buildings, toilets and provision of drinking water. Asaaman has also worked closely with teachers regarding the unique challenges that new pupils may bring to the classroom, and on pedagogical techniques which may help retain students in school with a specific emphasis on younger students in grades 1 and 2.
Achievements
In terms of achievements, the following have been noted:
Nepal, the country of Buddha, is among the poorest and least developed countries in the world with almost one-third of its population living below the poverty line. Nepal has been grappling with conflict for more than eight years. More than 10,000 people -mostly young—have been killed and many more have been injured.
Over a million Nepalese children are working full time in Nepal. The organisation ASAAMAN is helping in the rebuilding of a good functioning education system. ASAAMAN is one of the delegates of the Africa Tour.
Check the reporters’weblog!
Source: CIA World Fact book
Languages:
Nepali 47.8%, Maithali 12.1%, Bhojpuri 7.4%, (2001 census)
note: many in government and business also speak English (2001 est.)
Natural resources:
Quartz, water, timber, hydropower, scenic beauty, small deposits of lignite, copper, cobalt, iron ore
Literacy:
Definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 48.6%
male: 62.7%
female: 34.9% (2001 census)
Population:
29,519,114 (July 2008 est.)
Age structure:
0-14 years: 38% (male 5,792,042/female 5,427,370)
15-64 years: 58.2% (male 8,832,488/female 8,345,724)
65 years and over: 3.8% (male 542,192/female 579,298) (2008 est.)
Median age:
Total: 20.7 years
male: 20.5 years
female: 20.8 years (2008 est.)
Population growth rate:
2.095% (2008 est.)
GDP - per capita (PPP):
$1,200 (2007 est.)
GDP - composition by sector:
Agriculture: 38%
industry: 20%
services: 42% (FY05/06 est.)
Labour force:
11.11 million
note: severe lack of skilled labour (2006 est.)
Labour force - by occupation:
Agriculture: 76%
industry: 6%
services: 18% (2004 est.)
Agriculture - products:
Rice, corn, wheat, sugarcane, jute, root crops; milk, water buffalo meat
Industries:
Tourism, carpets, textiles; small rice, jute, sugar, and oilseed mills; cigarettes, cement and brick productionUnemployment rate:
42% (2004 est.)
Population below poverty line:
30.9% (2004)
Child Labour (5-14 years, 1999-2004) (source: UNICEF 2006):
Total 31%
Male 30%
Female 33%
Ratified Conventions ILO:
138 on Minimum Working Age
182 on Worst Forms of Child Labour (Source: ILO 2008)
Primary school enrolment (2000-2004) (source: UNICEF 2006):
Male 75%
Female 66%
Education expenditures - percent of GDP:
3.4% (2003)
| Government type: | democratic republic |
| Capital: | Kathmandu |
| Chief of state: | President Ram Baran YADAV (as of 23 July 2008); Vice President Paramananda JHA (as of 23 July 2008) |
| Head of government: | Prime Minister Girija Prasad KOIRALA (as of 30 April 2006; note - KOIRALA announced his resignation on 26 June 2008) |
Languages:
Nepali 47.8%, Maithali 12.1%, Bhojpuri 7.4%, (2001 census)
note: many in government and business also speak English (2001 est.)
Natural resources:
Quartz, water, timber, hydropower, scenic beauty, small deposits of lignite, copper, cobalt, iron ore
Literacy:
Definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 48.6%
male: 62.7%
female: 34.9% (2001 census)
Population:
29,519,114 (July 2008 est.)
Age structure:
0-14 years: 38% (male 5,792,042/female 5,427,370)
15-64 years: 58.2% (male 8,832,488/female 8,345,724)
65 years and over: 3.8% (male 542,192/female 579,298) (2008 est.)
Median age:
Total: 20.7 years
male: 20.5 years
female: 20.8 years (2008 est.)
Population growth rate:
2.095% (2008 est.)
GDP - per capita (PPP):
$1,200 (2007 est.)
GDP - composition by sector:
Agriculture: 38%
industry: 20%
services: 42% (FY05/06 est.)
Labour force:
11.11 million
note: severe lack of skilled labour (2006 est.)
Labour force - by occupation:
Agriculture: 76%
industry: 6%
services: 18% (2004 est.)
Agriculture - products:
Rice, corn, wheat, sugarcane, jute, root crops; milk, water buffalo meat
Industries:
Tourism, carpets, textiles; small rice, jute, sugar, and oilseed mills; cigarettes, cement and brick productionUnemployment rate:
42% (2004 est.)
Population below poverty line:
30.9% (2004)
Child Labour (5-14 years, 1999-2004) (source: UNICEF 2006):
Total 31%
Male 30%
Female 33%
Ratified Conventions ILO:
138 on Minimum Working Age
182 on Worst Forms of Child Labour (Source: ILO 2008)
Primary school enrolment (2000-2004) (source: UNICEF 2006):
Male 75%
Female 66%
Education expenditures - percent of GDP:
3.4% (2003)
Monarchy
In 1951, the Nepalese monarch ended the century-old system of rule by hereditary premiers and instituted a cabinet system of government. Reforms in 1990 established a multiparty democracy within the framework of a constitutional monarchy.
Maoists
An insurgency led by Maoist extremists broke out in 1996. The ensuing nine-year civil war between insurgents and government forces witnessed the dissolution of the cabinet and parliament and assumption of absolute power by the king. Several weeks of mass protests in April 2006 were followed by several months of peace negotiations between the Maoists and government officials, and culminated in a November 2006 peace accord and the dissemination of an interim constitution.
Interim parliament
The newly formed interim parliament declared Nepal a democratic federal republic at its first meeting in May 2008, the king vacated the throne in mid-June 2008, and parliament elected the country's first president the following month.
In 1951, the Nepalese monarch ended the century-old system of rule by hereditary premiers and instituted a cabinet system of government. Reforms in 1990 established a multiparty democracy within the framework of a constitutional monarchy.
Maoists
An insurgency led by Maoist extremists broke out in 1996. The ensuing nine-year civil war between insurgents and government forces witnessed the dissolution of the cabinet and parliament and assumption of absolute power by the king. Several weeks of mass protests in April 2006 were followed by several months of peace negotiations between the Maoists and government officials, and culminated in a November 2006 peace accord and the dissemination of an interim constitution.
Interim parliament
The newly formed interim parliament declared Nepal a democratic federal republic at its first meeting in May 2008, the king vacated the throne in mid-June 2008, and parliament elected the country's first president the following month.
Poverty
Nepal is among the poorest and least developed countries in the world with almost one-third of its population living below the poverty line. Agriculture is the mainstay of the economy, providing a livelihood for three-fourths of the population and accounting for 38% of GDP.
Industries
Industrial activity mainly involves the processing of agricultural produce including jute, sugarcane, tobacco, and grain. Security concerns relating to the Maoist conflict have led to a decrease in tourism, a key source of foreign exchange.
Tourism and hydropower
Nepal has considerable scope for exploiting its potential in hydropower and tourism, areas of recent foreign investment interest. Prospects for foreign trade or investment in other sectors will remain poor, however, because of the small size of the economy, its technological backwardness, its remoteness, its landlocked geographic location, its civil strife, and its susceptibility to natural disaster.
Nepal is among the poorest and least developed countries in the world with almost one-third of its population living below the poverty line. Agriculture is the mainstay of the economy, providing a livelihood for three-fourths of the population and accounting for 38% of GDP.
Industries
Industrial activity mainly involves the processing of agricultural produce including jute, sugarcane, tobacco, and grain. Security concerns relating to the Maoist conflict have led to a decrease in tourism, a key source of foreign exchange.
Tourism and hydropower
Nepal has considerable scope for exploiting its potential in hydropower and tourism, areas of recent foreign investment interest. Prospects for foreign trade or investment in other sectors will remain poor, however, because of the small size of the economy, its technological backwardness, its remoteness, its landlocked geographic location, its civil strife, and its susceptibility to natural disaster.
(source: Asaaman, Nepal, 2006)
Maoist conflict
Nepal, the country of Buddha, has been grappling with conflict for more than eight years. More than 10,000 people -mostly young—have been killed and many more have been injured. Thousands of children have become orphans and many have been displaced. Moreover, thousands of children have been conscripted by Maoist insurgents. Schools have become battlegrounds and have been utilized by both conflicting parties for their own purposes.
Underground
Frustrated with the deteriorating situation of the poor and marginalized in the Nepal and realizing the difficulty of changing the political, social and economic relations through peaceful means in the country, the Nepal Communist Party (Maoists) went underground in 1996.
Touting a policy that parliamentary democracy cannot meet the needs and aspirations of the majority of impoverished Nepalese, the Maoists took up arms and have slowly gained grounds. Once limited to a few districts in the more remote and poorest regions of Nepal, the Maoists have now developed a more thorough presence throughout the country.
Security forces and the Maoists have killed more than 10,000 people—half in the last two years alone. The population in general—and rural people in particular—are facing many difficulties due to the ongoing conflict. The conflict has resulted in serious constraints and difficulties emerging out of political dynamics and the non-existence of parties elected by the people.
Working in communities
Development agencies have faced increasingly difficulty working in communities given the current conflict situation. Many agencies have ceased to operate in rural areas and are now confined to district headquarters and the Kathmandu Valley holding workshops and seminars on how to work in conflict situations.
While the budgets of most development agencies have been spent on activities at the district and national levels, the government budget has been diverted primarily for security activities. Hence, the development efforts and programs in Nepal have been adversely affected with the brunt of the impact falling on the poorest men, women, children and marginalized communities of Nepal.
Maoist conflict
Nepal, the country of Buddha, has been grappling with conflict for more than eight years. More than 10,000 people -mostly young—have been killed and many more have been injured. Thousands of children have become orphans and many have been displaced. Moreover, thousands of children have been conscripted by Maoist insurgents. Schools have become battlegrounds and have been utilized by both conflicting parties for their own purposes.
Underground
Frustrated with the deteriorating situation of the poor and marginalized in the Nepal and realizing the difficulty of changing the political, social and economic relations through peaceful means in the country, the Nepal Communist Party (Maoists) went underground in 1996.
Touting a policy that parliamentary democracy cannot meet the needs and aspirations of the majority of impoverished Nepalese, the Maoists took up arms and have slowly gained grounds. Once limited to a few districts in the more remote and poorest regions of Nepal, the Maoists have now developed a more thorough presence throughout the country.
Security forces and the Maoists have killed more than 10,000 people—half in the last two years alone. The population in general—and rural people in particular—are facing many difficulties due to the ongoing conflict. The conflict has resulted in serious constraints and difficulties emerging out of political dynamics and the non-existence of parties elected by the people.
Working in communities
Development agencies have faced increasingly difficulty working in communities given the current conflict situation. Many agencies have ceased to operate in rural areas and are now confined to district headquarters and the Kathmandu Valley holding workshops and seminars on how to work in conflict situations.
While the budgets of most development agencies have been spent on activities at the district and national levels, the government budget has been diverted primarily for security activities. Hence, the development efforts and programs in Nepal have been adversely affected with the brunt of the impact falling on the poorest men, women, children and marginalized communities of Nepal.
Figures
Over a million Nepalese children are working full time in Nepal. The large part (around 90%) of the economically active children are engaged in the agriculture sector, mostly as unpaid family workers and partly as forced labour attached to their parents under debt bondage or similar other exploitative labour.
Besides agriculture, working children are mainly involved in the services sector and communications and transportation sector. Based on several studies conducted under the International Programme for the Elimination of Child Labour (IPEC) Time-Bound Programme (TBP), it is estimated that there are about 127,000 children working in the worst forms of child labour — as bonded labourers, rag pickers, porters, domestic workers, in the mines, in the carpet industry, and being trafficked.
School dropouts
The children involved in these forms of child labour start working between the ages of 10 and 14. In addition, more than one-third of them are illiterate, and a majority are school dropouts, who have been brought to their present workplace by their parents or relatives. It also appears that they all come from landless and relatively large families.
Finally, more than 80 per cent of children trapped in the worst forms of child labour have migrated for work. With the exception of children bonded into agricultural labour and children working as long distance porters in the rural areas of Nepal, the vast majority of children work in urban areas.
Factors that generate child labour in Nepal can be summarized as follows:
The problem could have been combated to a much larger extent if it hadn’t been for the violent conflict between the government and the Maoists. The conflict has led to large-scale displacement of children from their villages. Children from the poorest families who have fled their villages due to lack of security and threats from both the government and Maoist armed combatants, ended up working in the cities and towns under the most exploitative conditions.
Over a million Nepalese children are working full time in Nepal. The large part (around 90%) of the economically active children are engaged in the agriculture sector, mostly as unpaid family workers and partly as forced labour attached to their parents under debt bondage or similar other exploitative labour.
Besides agriculture, working children are mainly involved in the services sector and communications and transportation sector. Based on several studies conducted under the International Programme for the Elimination of Child Labour (IPEC) Time-Bound Programme (TBP), it is estimated that there are about 127,000 children working in the worst forms of child labour — as bonded labourers, rag pickers, porters, domestic workers, in the mines, in the carpet industry, and being trafficked.
School dropouts
The children involved in these forms of child labour start working between the ages of 10 and 14. In addition, more than one-third of them are illiterate, and a majority are school dropouts, who have been brought to their present workplace by their parents or relatives. It also appears that they all come from landless and relatively large families.
Finally, more than 80 per cent of children trapped in the worst forms of child labour have migrated for work. With the exception of children bonded into agricultural labour and children working as long distance porters in the rural areas of Nepal, the vast majority of children work in urban areas.
Factors that generate child labour in Nepal can be summarized as follows:
- On the demand side, while the society at large is aware of the ill effects of child labour, both to the individual child as well as to the nation, the existing societal attitude remains largely indifferent to it. Legal provisions on safeguarding child rights and preventing child labour are inadequate in enforcement and children continue to be hired as child labourers;
- The supply side of this is characterised by illiteracy of the parents, lack of access to as well as low perceived value of education, disharmony and diminishing family support and traditional beliefs hindering social and gender inclusion;
The problem could have been combated to a much larger extent if it hadn’t been for the violent conflict between the government and the Maoists. The conflict has led to large-scale displacement of children from their villages. Children from the poorest families who have fled their villages due to lack of security and threats from both the government and Maoist armed combatants, ended up working in the cities and towns under the most exploitative conditions.
Education: victim of conflict
The conflict has adversely affected the education sector in various ways: the operation of many schools has been disrupted, and many teachers and students have been killed, kidnapped, tortured and victimized both directly and indirectly.
Identifying the needs
In many instances, school premises have been used by both warring parties for shelter and training, and the victims of the insurgency are often young children, teachers and guardians of the students. Hence, identifying the needs of victims, providing schools with appropriate support so that they are able to function well, ensuring that schools are free of politics and violence, and that children are getting quality education are key challenges.
No recent results
Note: Since the political changes and relatively peaceful time in 2007, no research is done regarding the situation of education and child labour – thus no recent results have been published.
The conflict has adversely affected the education sector in various ways: the operation of many schools has been disrupted, and many teachers and students have been killed, kidnapped, tortured and victimized both directly and indirectly.
Identifying the needs
In many instances, school premises have been used by both warring parties for shelter and training, and the victims of the insurgency are often young children, teachers and guardians of the students. Hence, identifying the needs of victims, providing schools with appropriate support so that they are able to function well, ensuring that schools are free of politics and violence, and that children are getting quality education are key challenges.
No recent results
Note: Since the political changes and relatively peaceful time in 2007, no research is done regarding the situation of education and child labour – thus no recent results have been published.
Africa Tour delegation
During the Stop Child Labour tour in Africa a delegation of three representatives from Southern partner organizations will visit the concerned countries to engage in field visits, exchange meetings and workshops with local NGOs and trade unions, government bodies and international organizations involved in children's rights programmes. The tour delegation will consist of representatives from MVF (India), Asaaman (Nepal) and SNE (Morocco).
Background
Asaaman Nepal is a non-governmental organization committed to eradicating child labour and ensuring that every child attends school. In the working areas of Asaaman Nepal, poverty and illiteracy is high and traditional beliefs hindering social and gender inclusion are deeply rooted. The target area has some of the lowest social and education indicators in the country. The condition of women and dalits is dismal, and many are bearing the added brunt of the on-going conflict in Nepal.
Non-negotiable principles
Asaaman strongly believes in the MVF non-negotiable principles. These principles were adopted after meetings between Asaaman staff and MVF 10 years ago. The principles were discussed thoroughly among Asaaman staff regarding their meaning and practicality before they were accepted and implemented. It took three years before the staff had consensus to adopt them.
Working on both sides of the issue: an inclusive approach
Asaaman works with communities, school authorities and government officials. It is Asaaman’s belief that unless issues from different perspectives are addressed, the enrolment and retention of children can not be addressed adequately. Asaaman bring and enrol children in schools by mobilizing community members and parents and raising awareness of the importance of education for children. However, if the school environment is not appealing to children, they often drop out, which makes it even more difficult to bring them back again. Asaaman develops and implements—in collaboration with local communities—innovative ways to encourage parents to send their children to schools. Asaaman carries out unique awareness programs, such as the Buffalo and Sickle Rally (rallies organized in opposition to the practice of having children herd buffaloes or engage in agricultural work), which are successful in bringing children (back) into schools.
On the other hand, the quality of education also needs to be improved in order to retain students in school. With that objective in mind, Asaaman supports government offices in providing quality education for all and raises awareness among parents to demand quality teaching and educational facilities. In this way, Asaaman hopes to infuse the principle of accountability for all stakeholders. Additionally, Asaaman has provided assistance in the construction of school buildings, toilets and provision of drinking water. Asaaman has also worked closely with teachers regarding the unique challenges that new pupils may bring to the classroom, and on pedagogical techniques which may help retain students in school with a specific emphasis on younger students in grades 1 and 2.
Achievements
In terms of achievements, the following have been noted:
- Increase in the attendance and regularity of teachers in schools;
- Capacity of school management committee members in terms of planning, implementation and monitoring and utilization of local resources has been strengthened;
- Rapport among teachers and students in and out of school has improved;
- Increased cooperation and collaboration with government agencies and offices.
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