Kathmandu, September 13
The flood in the Bhotekoshi River has directly affected 9,428 children from 32 schools in Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading, according to the Children as Zone of Peace National Campaign (CZOP).
CZOP Chairperson Tilottam Poudel presented the figures at a discussion on “Impact of the Flood on Children and the Responsibility of Media” organised by the campaign on Friday.
According to Poudel, 1,373 children have been displaced and are currently staying in holding centres. A preliminary report shows that 488 students are still unaccounted for, while five students have been found dead.
Poudel said children, senior citizens, postpartum women and children with disabilities were among those most vulnerable during the disaster.
He said the government and concerned agencies should immediately prioritise the safety, protection and education of children affected by the flood.
He also stressed the need for greater sensitivity in protecting children who have lost their parents in the disaster.
Media urged to prioritise children’s issues
Former Federation of Nepali Journalists President Dharmendra Jha said the media should prioritise the voices of people who are unable to speak for themselves during disasters.
He said journalists reporting on children must pay particular attention to their rights, privacy and psychological well-being.
Irshad Ahmad Ansari, policy manager at Plan International, said the media should give special priority to children’s issues during disasters.
He also said Plan International was ready to coordinate and cooperate with CiZP as necessary in initiatives concerning children.
Journalists participating in the discussion said CiZP should publicly raise its voice if any media outlet, government agency or organisation carries out inappropriate activities involving children or disseminates inaccurate information.
They also called for more effective advocacy and lobbying with concerned authorities on issues affecting children.
