KATHMANDU, May 3: The government has expressed concern over the increasing number of reported cases of gender-based violence against women and girls through the media and has urged the public to report such incidents immediately.
In a statement, the Ministry of Women, Children and Senior Citizens (MoWCSC) said that gender-based violence can take physical, mental, sexual and economic forms, describing it as a serious violation of human rights.
The ministry said several support mechanisms are in place to ensure rescue, protection and access to justice for survivors and victims. These include the National Women Commission’s free helpline “Khabar Garaun 1145”, the National Child Rights Council’s child helpline 1098, and the 104 child tracing service.
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It also said that one-stop crisis management centres under the Ministry of Health and Population provide treatment, psychosocial counselling and legal aid to survivors of violence. Rehabilitation centres, psychosocial services, and coordination with government and non-government organizations are also operating to support victims.
The MoWCSC has urged anyone experiencing or witnessing gender-based violence to contact 1145, 100, 1098, or nearby hospital-based one-stop crisis management centres. It added that information can also be shared via email or mobile communication channels.
Reaffirming its commitment, the ministry said it is continuously working for the rights and welfare of women, children, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and sexual and gender minority communities.
It also reminded that the Constitution guarantees protection against all forms of violence and discrimination against women, and that such acts constitute serious human rights violations.
Nepal is a party to key international conventions including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the ministry noted.
It added that awareness campaigns and programmes aimed at reducing gender-based violence are ongoing, along with continued efforts in victim protection, rescue, and rehabilitation.
