Forced Marriage

As Nepal strives to meet global Sustainable Development Goals, stories like hers illuminate both the entrenched problems and the pathways to change.

The UN experts concluded that ending forced conversions and child marriages is essential for safeguarding human rights and ensuring equal protection under the law for all citizens, regardless of religion.

Civil society and legal experts attending the launch echoed the need for immediate action to prevent rehabilitation centres from becoming instruments of suppression.

The coming weeks will likely see intensified advocacy campaigns, potential UN discussions, and continued reporting from independent Afghan media outlets operating in exile.

In response to the survey’s release, advocates are pushing for enhanced government action. While Nepal has ratified international conventions like the Convention on the Rights of the Child, implementation lags. Proposed measures include strengthening school retention programmes, providing scholarships for girls from poor families, and enforcing anti-child marriage laws more rigorously.

The path to the Kalash Marriage Bill began five years ago, driven by community leaders and civil society organisations concerned about the erosion of indigenous rights.

The Nepalese government has vowed to tighten immigration enforcement and crack down on illegal brokers operating within its borders. Authorities are also appealing to community leaders and families to remain vigilant and report suspicious operations that may prey on vulnerable individuals.